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LmAHY 
OF  THE 

mmsiTY  Of  umo,s 


"*  I  am  come  a  light  into  the  world."— Frontispiece  (see  page  ie9> 


THE 


HRISTIAN'S  LEGACY. 


L 


WITH  AN  APPENDIX,  CONTAINING 


A  COMPENDIUM  OF  THE  HOLY  BIBLE, 


AN  INDEX  OF  THE  PROPER  NAMES  IN  THE  OLD  AND 
NEW  TESTAMENTS,  WITH  THEIR  ENGLISH 
PRONUNCIATION. 

BY 

REV.  WILLIAM  JACKSON,  D.D. 

INTRODUCTION  BY 

REV.  ARTHUR  T.  PIERSON,  D.D. 


"So  they  read  in  the  Law  of  God  distinctly,  and  ga\e  the  sense  and 
caused  them  to  understand  the  reading." — Nehemiah  8  :  8. 


NEW  YORK : 
W.   J.  HOLLAND. 
1895 


Copyright,  1889, 
By  W.  J.  HOLLAND. 


All  rights  reserved. 


^^6-  / 


iPREFACE. 


X\The  Bible,  after  the  strictest  researches  of  an  enlightened  and  ii> 
quiring  age,  is  allowed  by  the  wise,  judicious,  and  thinking  part  of  man- 
kind, who  are  best  acquainted  with  it,  to  be  the  only  book  in  the  world 
that  can  make  men  truly  wise  unto  salvation .  Hence,  in  different  periods, 
various  attempts  have  been  made  to  elucidate  the  Scriptures ;  sometimes 
by  classical  and  critical  disquisitions,  or  by  illustrations  of  ancient  man- 
ners and  customs ;  at  others  by  extensive  and  voluminous  commentaries, 
which  can  neither  be  procured  nor  read  by  a  very  great  majority  of  the 
people ;  but  more  frequently  by  sermons,  homilies,  pamphlets,  and  tracts. 
And  that  many  of  those  publications  possess  great  merit,  the  author  of 
this  volume  is  ready  to  admit,  as  it  is  very  remote  from  his  desire  to 
establish  the  credit  of  his  own  work  by  depreciating  the  productions  of 
others ;  but  it  would  require  a  greater  acuteness  of  discernment,  and  a 
more  extensive  knowledge  of  men  and  things,  than  he  gives  himself  the 
credit  of  possessing,  to  decide  which  of  those  modes  has  been  the  most 
successful  in  making  manifest  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ. 

Our  blessed  Redeemer,  who  best  knew  the  most  profitable  method  of 
reading  the  Scriptures,  has  directed  us  to  search  them  for  a  knowledge 
of  his  character  and  offices :  John  v.  39.  Every  hopeful  mean  ought, 
therefore,  to  be  used  for  assisting  Christians  to  reap  all  the  benefit  from 
the  Holy  Scriptures  they  are  calculated  to  afford ;  and  any  attempt,  if 
well  executed,  must  prove  of  real  service  to  the  community ;  and  should 
the  attempt  fail,  the  undertaker  cannot  fail  to  enjoy  the  pleasurable 
satisfaction  of  knowing,  that,  "to  do  good,  and  to  communicate,"  he 
has  done  what  he  could ;  while  the  ingenuous  part  of  mankind  will  make 
allowances  the  most  favorable,  on  account  of  the  goodness  of  the  action. 
Under  the  influence  of  this  sentiment,  the  writer  of  the  following  pages 
has  acted  in  presenting  them  to  the  public  eye ;  while  his  humble  design 
has  been  to  establish  the  faith,  promote  the  comfort,  and  influence  the 
practice,  of  the  weak  and  feeble  of  Christ's  flock. 


ADDRESS, 


TO  ALL  WHO  LOVE  THE  LORD  JESUS  CHRIST,  OP  EVERY 
NAME  AND  PLACE. 


Beloved  Brethren  :  — 

I  choose  to  dedicate  this  little  book  to  you,  knowing  that  the  promises 
of  the  God  of  truth  are  made  unto  you,  in  Christ  Jesus ;  whom  the  Holy 
Spirit  hath  sealed,  and  given  an  earnest  in  your  hearts  as  security  for 
the  fulfilment  of  them  ;  2  Cor.  i.  20-22.  And  you,  being  taught  of  God, 
alone  understand  the  things  of  God :  1  Cor.  ii.  14. 

The  Bible  might  fitly  be  called  a  Book  of  Promises ;  but  in  order  to 
assist  you  in  finding  a  promise  suited  to  your  case,  I  have  selected  three 
HUNDRED  of  those  gracious  assurances,  and  have  made  a  few  plain, 
practical  remarks  and  observations  on  each  of  them  ;  and  have  referred 
you  to  many  hundreds  more  of  other  promises,  and  portions  of  Scripture, 
illustrative  of  those  remarks  and  observations ;  so  that,  in  a  good  degree, 
it  will  answer  the  end  of  a  Concordance,  Each  page  is  taken  up  with 
one  promise ;  and  you  will  find,  alternately,  one  taken  from  the  Old  and 
another  from  the  New  Testament;  for  the  purpose  of  enabling  you,  at 
once  opening  the  book,  to  have  two  promises  before  you  applied  to  your 
case.  You  will  find  at  the  beginning  of  the  book,  an  alphabetical  index; 
and,  by  looking  at  which,  you  will  be  able  to  find,  with  ease,  any  promise 
you  may  desire :  and  at  the  end  of  the  book,  you  have  an  index  to  all 
the  promises  treated  of  in  the  first  three  hundred  pages. 

I  have  also  added  an  Appendix,  containing  some  general  remarks  on 
the  several  parts  of  the  Bible ;  designed  especially  for  the  young;  and  in 
which,  I  humbly  hope,  you  will  find  much  to  assist  you  in  reading,  and 
understanding  that  best  of  all  books,  the  Bible.  It  is  intended  to 
make  the  reading  of  the  Scriptures  easy  to  those  who  are  not  already  well 
acquainted  with  them.  And  to  accomplish  which,  I  have,  throughout 
the  whole,  availed  myself  of  such  helps  as  were  within  my  reach ;  while 
the  Bible  has  been  both  my  text-hook  and  my  ^e5/-book.  And  that  the 
great  head  of  the  Church  may  graciously  accept,  and  bless  this  humble 
otfering,  is  the  fervent  prayer  of 

Your  souVs  servant,  W.  J. 


INTRODUCTION. 


IHE  promises  of  God  touch  the  believer  at  every  vital 


point  of  contact.  Their  relation  to  him  is  as  varied  as 
his  spiritual  wants  are  multiplied  and  his  spiritual  experience 
is  multiform. 

'  To  his  faith  they  are  both  foundation  and  culmination, 
corner-stone  and  capstone.  We  are  told  to  "  believe."  But 
what  are  we  to  believe  ?  Blind  confidence,  however  positive, 
can  lead  us  only,  as  all  blind  leaders  do,  into  the  ditch  of  dis- 
appointment, or  the  pitfall  of  disastrous  ruin.  We  are  not 
called  upon  to  believe  vaguely,  unintelligently,  irrationally. 
The  word  of  God  is  the  warrant  of  our  faith.  Beneath  our 
firm-footed  confidence  is  a  "Thus  saith  the  Lord."  Belief 
accepts  the  truth  and  fact  contained  in  the  statements,  prop- 
ositions, affirmations,  made  in  the  Bible. 

To  the  believer's  hope,  also,  the  "  exceeding  great  and  pre- 
cious promises  "  are  the  inspiration.  When  he  is  asked  a 
reason  for  the  hope  that  is  in  him,  these  are  his  answers. 
The  promises  are  the  celestial  colors  with  which  the  Divine 
Artist  paints  the  future  prospect  of  the  child  of  God ;  and 
on  that  picture  of  his  heavenly  inheritance  Hope  fixes  her 
enraptured  gaze.  The  joy  that  is  thus  set  before  him  is  so 
uplifting  and  inspiring  that  it  makes  even  his  heavy  cross 
seem  light  and  already  encircles  his  brow  with  the  crown  of 
glory  that  fadeth  not  away.  Without  God's  word  of  promise 
there  could  be  no  hope  that  maketh  not  ashamed.  There 
might  be  expectancy,  but  there  could  he  no  warrant  for  it 


2 


INTRODUCTION. 


It  is  only  the  promise  of  God  that  gives  certainty  to  our 
assurance  of  hope. 

Thus  the  believer's  joy  is  inseparable  from  the  precious 
promises.  We  find  joy  to  be  threefold :  the  joy  of  memory, 
experience,  and  anticipation ;  the  retrospect,  the  aspect,  the 
prospect.  If  it  be  the  joy  of  remembrance,  it  is  that  of  the 
promises  fulfilled;  if,  of  present  realization,  it  is  that  of 
the  promises  embraced  and  enjoyed ;  if,  of  future  foretaste, 
it  is  the  joy  of  promises  anticipated.  The  believer  thus  dwells 
in  the  promises.  They  irradiate  his  past  experience,  they  illu- 
minate his  present  path,  they  glorify  his  future  estate. 

Our  obedience  is  encouraged  and  stimulated  by  the  prom- 
ises; for  all  promises  are  both  addressed  to  obedient  souls 
and  are  the  reward  of  doing  the  will  of  God.  This  is  the 
indispensable  condition  of  their  reception  and  realization. 
Departure  from  God  leads  into  deep  darkness — nay,  it  is  itself 
darkness  that  may  be  felt.  The  light  of  promise  breaks  only 
upon  the  pathway  of  obedience,  which  is,  in  fact,  the  very 
pathway  also  of  promise.  Gerizim  and  Ebal  are  the  typical 
mountains  that  stand  at  the  very  gateway  of  life :  the  moun- 
tains of  blessing  and  of  cursing,  of  promise  and  of  threaten- 
ing; and,  whether  we  stand  on  the  sunlit  slopes  of  the  one 
or  under  the  frowning  shadows  of  the  other,  depends  upon 
our  obedience  to  God. 

Our  love  is  likewise  closely  related  to  the  promises.  They 
are  a  revelation  of  the  infinite  love  that  lavished  the  riches 
of  the  grace  of  God  upon  us  while  we  were  in  sin  and  enmity; 
and  so  we  learn  to  love  Him  who  first  loved  us.  At  every 
stage  and  step  of  our  pilgrimage,  these  promises  are  our  staff 
and  stay ;  even  in  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death.  There 
is  no  vale  of  Baca  whose  fountains  of  tears  they  cannot  trans- 
form into  wells  of  salvation.  Love  is  constantly  expanded 
and  enriched  by  the  experience  of  fulfilled  promises.  They 
spread  our  table  in  the  midst  of  enemies.    We  feast  and  are 


INTRODUCTION. 


3 


fed  and  filled,  our  head  is  anointed  as  with  holy  oil,  and  our 
cup  runneth  over.  Love  sees  the  daily  ministry  of  the  prom- 
ises, and  love  grows  till  it  displaces  all  carnal  lusts  and  cor- 
rupt affections,  and  controls  the  heart. 

But  Avhat  would  prayer  be  without  promise  I  How  could 
he  that  cometh  to  God  know  that  He  is  the  rewarder  of  them 
that  diligently  seek  Him,  were  it  not  for  His  own  Word? 
There  are  minute  forms  of  animal  life  that  build  up  great 
masses  of  cells,  and  as  they  build  rise  upon  their  own  work 
nearer  to  heaven.  The  believer  is  such  a  builder.  He  lays 
promise  upon  promise,  as  sure  foundations ;  he  adds  promise 
to  promise,  and  so  carries  up  his  spiritual  structure,  and  as 
he  builds  he  ascends  upon  his  own  work,  mounting  higher 
and  higher  upon  the  word  of  the  living  God,  until  he  reaches 
the  heavenly  heights  themselves. 

Surely  a  book  whose  whole  theme  is  the  promises,  cannot 
be  regarded  by  any  believer  with  indifference.  He  who  col- 
lated and  compiled  this  volume  must  long  have  lived  in  the 
promises  which  he  so  beautifully  presents. 

ARTHUR  T.  PIERSON. 

Philadelphia,  March  12,  1889. 


A  GENERAL  INDEX 

OF  THE  PROMISES  TREATED  ON. 


Promises.  Page, 

Access  to  God,  of  free                                                  .      .  98,  99 

Adoption,  of   94-97 

Afflictions,  of  sanctified   134-137 

Angels,  the  ministry  of    .       .       .   164,  165 

Antichrist,  the  destruction  of   298,  299 

Backsliders,  to   88,  89 

Benediction,  the   310 

Blessings,  temporal  in  general,  of   9-15 

Blessing  on  all  that  a  good  man  has,  of  a   34,  35 

Blessing  on  the  children  of  the  good,  of  a   36,  37 

Blessing  on  the  families  of  the  good,  of  a   38,  39 

Care,  of  God's   148,  149 

Charitable,  to  the   256,  257 

Child-bearing,  of  support  in   56,  57 

Christ's  care  over  the  church,  of   158,  159 

Church,  duration  of  the    .       .      .   300,  S0\ 

Church,  enlargement  of  the                                             .       .  282-285 

Church,  glory  of  the   286,  287 

Church,  peace  of  the   296,  297 

Church,  of  the  security  of  the   294,  295 

Church,  comfort  of  the   170,  171 

Company,  to  keeping  good   240,  241 

Conscience,  peace  of   168,  169 

Contentment,  to   268,  269 

Death,  of  deliverance  from     .       .       »   76,  77 

Death,  of  support  in   176,  177 

Delight  and  joy  in  God,  of   174,  175 

Desire  of  grace,  to   230,  231 

Devil,  of  victory  over  the   116, 117 

Direction,  of   30,  31 

Discourse,  of  ability  for  good   124,  125 

Enemies,  of  deliverance  from   70,  71 

Enemies  of  the  Church,  destruction  of   298,  299 

Enjoyment  of  God,  of  the   194,  195 

Eternal  joys  of  heaven,  of   186-193 

Evil,  of  preservation  from   40,  41 

Faith  in  Christ,  to                                                                .  196-199 

Famine,  of  deliverance  from                                                 .  66,  67 

Fatherless  and  Widow,  to  the   62,  63 

Fear  of  God,  to  the  .      .   220,  221 

Food,  of     .      .      .   16,  17 

Fruitfulness,  of   128,  129 

God,  to  the  love  of   210,  211 

God  will  not  forsake  his  people,  that   150,  151 

Grace  from  Christ,  of  all   154,  155 

Grace,  of  converting        ...       ,   102,  103 

Grace,  of  increase  of       .      ,      o      ,      ,      .      .      ,      .  130,  131 


6  A  GENERAL  INDEX. 

Promises.  Page. 

Grace  to  mortify  sin,  of   110,  111 

Grace  to  persevere,  of   132,  133 

Grace  of  Repentance,  of  the   104,  105 

Grace,  sanctifying,  of   100,  101 

Grave,  of  deliverance  from  the   178,  179 

Guidance  Divine,  of   122,  123 

Happiness  immediately  after  death,  of   1-80-183 

Heaven,  of  glory  in   190,  191 

Heaven,  of  happiness  in   18G,  187 

Heaven,  the  Kingdom  of   192,  193 

Heaven,  pleasure  and  joy  in,  of   188,  189 

Heavenly  inheritance,  of  a   186-195 

Hearing  and  reading  the  word,  to   234,  235 

Help,  of  God's   14G,  147 

Honor,  of   28,  29 

Hope,  of   172,  173 

Hoping  in  God,  to   316,  217 

Humble,  to  the   272,  278 

Injuries,  to  forgiving  of   262,  263 

Interest  in  God  as  our  God,  of  an   138,  139 

Jews,  conversion  and  restoration  of  the   302-305 

Justification,  of   78-81 

Kings  and  priests  unto  God,  of   166,  167 

Knowledge  of  God  and  Christ,  to  the   232,  233 

Knowledge,  of  the  increase  of   288,  289 

Life,  of  long   20,  21 

Love  and  Unity,  to   252,  253 

Love  of  Christ,  to  the   212,  213 

Love  of  God,  an  interest  in  the   142,  143 

Means  of  Grace,  of  the   126,  127 

Meek,  to  the   270,  271 

Merciful,  to  the   260,  261 

Mercy  in  Christ,  of   152,  153 

Mercy  of  God,  of  an  interest  in  the   144,  145 

Ministers,  to  faithful   244-249 

Ministers,  to  them  that  hearken  to   250,  251 

Ministers,  to  supporting  of  God's   258,  259 

Mourners,  to  the  contrite  and   274,  275 

Obedience,  to   206,  207 

Obeying  Parents,  to   242,  243 

Old  Age,  of  support  in   54,  55 

Oppression,  of  deliverance  from     ,   74,  75 

Ordinances,  of  a  blessing  upon  the   108,  109 

Pardon  of  sin,  of   82-87 

Parents,  to  obedience  to   242,  243 

Patience,  to  ]  278,  279 

Peace,  of  !       .      1      !      !       *.  26,  27 

Peace,  love,  and  unity,  of   292,  293 

Peace-makers,  to  the  [             *  254'  255 

Perseverance,  to  *      *  28o!  281 

Plenty,  of  ^       ^       ^       ^       ^  32  33 

Poor  and  helpless,  to  the .      .      !      *      .*      .*      '      .       *  60,'  61 

Prayer,  to  .  224-227 

Prayer,  of  the  Spirit's  help  In   162,  163 

Presence  of  God.  of  the   140  141 


CONTENTS  OF  THE  APPENDIX  —  COMPENDIUM.  7 

Promises.  Page. 

Prisoner  and  Captive,  to  the   64,  65 

Promises,  that  God  will  perform  all  his   306-1309 

Purity,  to   264,  265 

Purity  and  righteousness,  of   290,  291 

Raiment,  of   18,  19 

Redemption  in  Christ,  of   156,  157 

Repentance,  of  the  grace  of    .       »   104,  105 

Repentance,  to  .       .       .   202,  203 

Reproach,  of  deliverance  from   72,  73 

Resurrection,  of  a  glorious   184,  185 

Safety,  of   22-25 

Salvation  through  Christ,  of   90-93 

Seeking  God,  to   228,  229 

Servants,  too  faithful   244,  245 

Sickness,  of  deliverance  from       .      .       .      .       .      .      .  50,  51 

Sickness,  of  support  under   52,  53 

Sin,  to  confession  of   204,  205 

Sin,  of  grace  to  mortify   110,  111 

Sincerity  and  Uprightness,  to   208,  209 

Spirit,  of  the  Holy   160,  161 

Stranger,  to  the   58,  59 

Strength  and  Courage,  of   118,  119 

Strength  in  time  of  affliction,  of   52,  53 

Submission  and  Patience,  to   278,  279 

Suffering  for  righteousness'  sake,  to   276,  277 

Talents,  to  improving  our   266,  267 

Teaching,  of  Divine                                                             .  106,  107 

Temptation,  of  grace  against   112,  113 

Temptation,  to  resisting   218,  219 

Tongue,  to  the  government  of  the   238,  239 

Troubles,  of  deliverance  from   46-49 

Troubles,  of  support  under   42-45 

Trusting  in  God,  to   214,  215 

War,  of  deliverance  from   68,  69 

Watchfulness,  to   222,  223 

Widow  and  Fatherless,  to  the   62,  63 

Wisdom,  of   120,  121 

Word,  to  loving  of  the   236,  237 

World,  of  victory  over  the   114, 115 


CONTENTS  OF  THE  APPENDIX. 

The  meaning  of  the  word  Bible   .  311 

Divisions  of  the  Bible   312 

Table  of  books,  chapters,  verses,  &c   313 


A  COMPENDIUM 

Of  Genesis   314 

Of  Exodus   316 

Of  Leviticus  and  Numbers   317 

Of  Deuteronomy  and  Joshua   31 S 

Of  Judges  and  Ruth   319 


8  COMPENDIUM. 

Page, 

Of  1  Samuel  and  2  Samuel   320 

Of  1  Kings  and  2  Kings   321 

Of  1  Chronicles  and  2  Chronicles   322 

Of  Ezra   323 

Of  Nehemiah  and  Esther   324 

Of  Job   325 

Of  Psalms   326 

Of  Proverbs  and  Ecclesiastes   328 

Of  Solomon's  Song   329 

Of  Isaiah   330 

Of  Jeremiah   331 

Of  Lamentations  and  Ezekiel   332 

Of  Daniel   333 

Of  Hosea  and  Joel   334 

Of  Amos  and  Obadiah   335 

Of  Jonah,  Micah,  and  Nahum   336 

Of  Habakkuk  and  Zephaniah   337 

Of  Haggai,  Zechariah,  and  Malachi   338 

The  word  Testament   330 

The  word  Gospel   340 

Of  Matthew   340 

Of  Mark  and  Luke   341 

Of  John   342 

The  Example  of  Christ   343 

Of  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles   344 

Of  the  Epistles   345 

Of  Romans   345 

Of  1  Corinthians   346 

Of  2  Corinthians  and  Galatians   347 

Of  Ephesians   348 

Of  Philippians,  Colossians,  and  1  Thessalonians  .       ....  349 

Of  2  Thessalonians  .   350 

Of  1  Timothy   351 

Of  2  Timothy  and  Titus   352 

Of  Philemon  and  Hebrews      .      .      .    ,   353 

Of  James   354 

Of  1  Peter   .  .355 

Of  2  Peter  and  1  John   356 

Of  2  John  and  3  John   357 

Of  Jude   358 

Of  Revelation   359 

The  Character  of  the  first  Christians   360 

The  Miracles  of  Christ   362 

The  Parables  of  Christ    .   363 

The  Remarkable  Discourses  of  Christ   364 

Prophecies  with  their  Fulfilment   366 

The  Figurative  Language  of  the  Bible   367 

The  Symbolical  Language  of  the  Bible   369 

The  Jewish  Offerings   385 

The  Sects  mentioned  in  the  Scripture   387 

On  Scriptural  Difiiculties   390 

Supposed  Fate  of  the  Evangelists  and  Apostles   392 

Hebrew  Ollices   393 

An  Index  of  the  Proper  Names  in  the  Old  and  New  Testaments.       .  395 

An  Index  for  the  texts  of  Scripture  409 


PAET  I. 


BLESSIN&S  PEOMISED  TO  THE  OBEDIENT. 


CHAPTER  I. 

PROMISES  OF  TEMPORAL  BLESSINGS: 

IN  GENERAL. 

"  If  ye  be  willing  and  obedient,  ye  sfia/i  eat  the  good  of  the  land.  "  —  Isaiah 
i.  19. 

THIS  precious  promise  was  first  made  to  God's  ancient  Israel; 
and  holds  equally  good  to  all  the  Israel  of  God  in  every  age 
of  the  world.  The  Lord  had  rejected  their  services  on  account  of 
their  sins ;  still  he  does  not  reject  them ;  but  calls  upon  them  to 
cease  to  do  evil,  and  learn  to  do  well,  that  it  might  be  well  with 
them :  Ezek.  xviii.  21-24.  How  kind  and  gracious  their  insulted 
Lord  is  toward  them!  Here  is  no  penance  imposed,  no  extra 
burdens  for  them  to  bear,  on  account  of  thoir  base  ingratitude  and 
rebellion ;  no,  they  are  only  required  to  give  up  that  which  was 
the  cause  of  all  their  troubles :  viz.,  their  sins.  And  this  is  all 
God  requires  at  the  hand  of  the  most  abandoned  among  men, 
before  he  can  accept  their  services. 

Observe,  1st.  He  does  not  say  if  you  be  perfect  in  your  obedi- 
ence, but,  if  you  be  willingly  so ;  "  for  if  there  be  first  a  willing 
mind,  it  is  accepted  according  to  that  a  man  hath,  and  not  accord- 


10 


ing  to  that  he  hath  not :  ^'  2  Cor.  viii.  12.  We  have  only,  to  makt^ 
ourselves  clean  by  reforming  our  lives,  and  then  God  will  take 
care  that  we  have  the  benefit  of  it,  and  lead  comfortable  lives : 
ver.  16.  Only  live  right,  and  you  will  assuredly  find  that  nothing 
can  go  nor  come  wrong. 

2d.  See  the  encouragement  given  to  well-doing :  Be  but  willing, 
and  obedient,  and  "ye  shall  eat  the  good  of  the  land.'^  The  land 
here  spoken  of  was  the  land  promised  them :  and  you  shall  have 
all  the  blessings  of  the  new  covenant,  the  heavenly  land  of 
D^'^.naan  promised  you,  and  eat  of  the  good  of  that  land. 

3d.  None  but  the  willing  and  obedient,  can  ever  eat,  so  as  to 
enjoy,  the  good  of  the  land :  for  though  they  may  live  in  a  good 
land,  guilt  embitters  all  they  eat ;  so  that  they  have  not  the  com- 
fort of  it ;  but  where  guilt  is  removed,  every  creature  of  God  is 
good :  1  Tim.  iv.  4.  Be  not  discouraged :  your  weakness  can  be 
no  hinderance  to  God's  loving-kindness :  if  you  have  but  a  willing 
mind  he  will  accept  of  that ;  only  be  careful  to  evince  your  will- 
ingness by  your  obedience :  1  John  iii.  22.  Your  sins  can  no 
more  prevent  the  mercy  of  the  Lord  visiting  you,  than  a  patient's 
sickness  would  prevent  his  physician :  Matt.  ix.  12,  13.  Yield 
obedience  to  his  commands,  and  great  as  your  crimes  might  have 
been  against  him,  He  will  never  upbraid  you  of  them ;  for  He 
delights  in  extending  mercy  to  the  chief  of  sinners  :  Deut.  xiii. 
17,  18.  Every  comfort  that  you  can  desire  you  shall  have  :  yea, 
all  the  good  of  the  land  lies  before  you  :  and  you  shall  shortly 
be  put  in  full  possession  of  your  inheritance. 

Do  not  say  that  your  enemies  who  oppose  you  are  giants,  and 
you,  in  your  own  eyes,  are  but  a  grasshopper ;  only  be  willing 
a,nd  obedient,  and  you  shall  —  mark  that  —  there  is  no  if  to  it  : 
no  —  the  ifs  and  buts  relate  to  changeable  man,  and  not  to  an  un- 
changing God.  The  land  lies  just  before  you:  talk  not  of  the 
roughness  of  the  way,  but  march  boldly  on  in  all  the  ways  of 
God's  commandments :  mountains  will  fall  before  you ;  valleys 
will  be  exalted;  and,  through  grace,  "ye  shall  eat  the  good  of 
the  land.'' 


OF  TEMPORAL  BLESSINGS  IK  GlENEItAL. 


11 


"He  that  doeth  the  will  of  God  ahideth  forever/'  — I  John  ii.  17. 

THE  world's  darlings  never  were  God's  friends,  though  he 
greatly  befriends  them :  Matt.  v.  45 ;  1  John  ii.  15.  The 
world;  and  the  things  of  the  world,  which  sinners  so  highly- 
prize,  are  passing  away  ^  pride,  lust,  pleasure,  honor,  wealth,  and 
worldlings,  will  shortly  vanish ;  but,  "  he  that  doeth  the  will  of 
God  abideth  forever."  The  servants  of  God  are  known  by  their 
doing  the  will  of  God  :  Jer.  vii.  23.  There  are  many  who  know 
God's  will,  but  do  their  own :  and  who,  while  they  have  religion 
In  their  head,  have  the  love  of  the  world  in  their  heart.  Eeligion 
without  the  world,  is  better  than  the  world  without  religion.  The 
believer  does  the  will  of  God  because  he  loves  God  :  John  xiv.  15. 

Observe,  1st.  The  object  of  a  believer's  love  "  ahideth  forever :  " 
and  his  love  shall  never  fail :  Heb.  xiii.  8.  2d.  The  believer  him- 
self being  born  for  heaven,  and  bound  to  heaven,  shall  shortly  be 
removed  thither ;  and  there  abide  forever :  Prov.  xix.  16.  There- 
fore, let  your  will,  in  all  things,  submit  to  God's  will,  and  you 
shall  have  your  will  of  God.  3d.  The  will  of  God  must  be  done 
now,  and  the  consequent  blessed  state  of  stability  will  be  enjoyed 
here.  "  He  that  doeth,^'  not  he  that  luill  do ;  abideth,  not  shall 
abide :  Matt.  vii.  24,  25.  4th.  The  declaration  is  made  without 
respect  to  persons  ;  He  that  doeth,  whatever  may  be  his  rank, 
strength  or  condition:  Eom.  ii.  11.  Do  you  but  take  care  of 
what  belongs  to  God,  and  rest  assured  that  God  will  take  care  of 
all  that  belongs  to  you  :  1  Kin.  ii.  3.  The  animal  life  must  be 
subject  to  the  divine  life ;  the  body  must  be  subject  to  the  soul ; 
and  both  body  and  soul  subject  to  the  will  of  God.  We  are 
already  so  greatly  indebted  to  the  Almighty,  that  we  can  never 
pay  what  we  owe  him;  and  seeing  he  requires  so  little  of  us, 
reason  says,  we  ought  to  do  what  we  can ;  especially  when  we 
bear  in  mind,  that  all  our  good  doings  only  increase  our  own 
good :  and  that  m,  not  for,  keeping  His  commands  there  is  great 
reward :  Ps.  xix.  11.  The  higher  you  are  raised  above  the  world, 
the  more  you  will  be  delighted  with  the  joys  of  heaven.  It  is 
better  to  know  little  and  do  much,  than  to  know  much  and  do 
little :  Matt.  vii.  21. 


12 


OF  TEMPORAL  BLESSINGS  IN  GENERAL. 


"  The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd :  I  shall  not  want/*  —  Ps.  xxiii.  1. 

SHEPHERDS  are  those  who  have  the  care  of  flocks  of  sheep ; 
and  who  make  it  their  business  to  direct  them  to  a  good 
pasture,  lead  them  to  wholesome  water,  gather  them  to  a  fold,  at 
a  proper  time,  and  protect  them  from  all  harm.  Jesus  Christ  is 
God's  Shepherd,  because  his  Eather  gave  him  his  flock  of  men, 
who  are  called  sheep ;  and  appointed  him  to  die  for,  call,  feed,  and 
gather  them  :  Ps.  c.  3 ;  Zech.  xiii.  7 ;  John  x.  15. 

Although  the  Lord  cares  and  provides  for  all,  none  but  a  be- 
'iever  can  truly  say,  "  The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd."  Eeader,  are 
you  a  real  believer  ?  —  if  so,  the  Lord  is  your  Shepherd ;  and 
you  have  a  right  to  call  him  such.  It  is  your  duty  and  privilege 
to  encourage  yourself  in  him  :  not  only  from  the  relation  in  which 
he  stands  to  you,  but  also,  from  what  you  have  already  experi- 
enced of  his  goodness  :  Ps.  cxxi.  2,  3. 

David  here  expresses,  1st.  His  present  confidence  ;  "  The  Lord 
is  my  Shepherd  ; "  you  may  do  the  same  ;  for  you  have  the  same 
privilege,  seeing  he  is  the  Shepherd  of  every  particular  believer ; 
not  one  escapes  his  notice ;  no,  not  even  the  meanest  of  the  flock 
will  be  neglected :  Isa.  xl.  11.  He  has  them  all  in  his  fold,  and 
performs  well  the  part  of  a  good  shepherd :  John  x.  11.  Unlike 
the  hireling,  he  never  leaves,  but  is  constantly  watching  them  : 
Ps.  xxxiii.  18 ;  and  will  suffer  no  one  to  harm  them :  1  Chron. 
xvi.  21. 

All  are  well  kept  whom  the  Lord  keeps  :  he  not  only  provides 
food,  but  whatever  will  add  to  their  comfort :  Ps.  Ixxxiv.  11. 
This  David  knew  from  experience  ;  hence, 

2d.  He  declares  his  future  hope  :  "  I  shall  not  loantJ^  Trust  in 
the  Lord  at  all  times ;  and  depend  upon  it  he  will  never  suffer 
^ou  to  want  any  good  thing :  Ps.  xxxiv.  10.  You  shall  have  food 
convenient,  and  raiment  to  put  on ;  and  such  a  supply  of  all  good 
things,  as  shall  leave  you  no  cause  to  complain  the  want  of  any. 
Bread  is  not  always  given  to  those  who  trust  in  themselves ;  but 
verily  all  who  trust  in  the  Lord  shall  be  fed :  Ps.  xxxvii.  3.  If 
the  Lord  is  so  good  a  Shepherd,  surely  we  ought  to  be  guided  by 
him,  obey  his  voice,  follow  his  steps,  and,  like  harmless  sheep,  lie 
at  his  feet. 


OF  TEMPORAL  BLESSINGS  IN  GENERAL. 


13 


"He  that  spared  not  his  own  Son,  but  delivered  him  up  for  us  all,  how  shall 
he  not  with  him  also  freely  give  us  all  things.  "  —  Kom.  viii.  32. 

THIS  is  a  question  which  unbelief  will  never  be  able  to  answer; 
and  ought  to  remove  all  doubts,  and  silence  all  objections. 
Here  we  have, 

1st.  The  firm  foundation  on  which  our  hopes  are  built :  He/' 
the  Father  of  all  our  mercies,  loved  our  race  so  well,  that  when 
we  were  under  an  arrest  and  condemned  to  die,  "  spared  not  his 
oivn  Son,^^  did  not  think  him  too  precious  a  gift  to  bestow  for  our 
salvation:  John  iii.  J.6.  We  had  all  sinned  and  brought  ruin 
upon  ourselves,  having  violated  God's  holy  law :  Eom.  v.  12. 
Stern  Justice  held  us  by  the  throat,  while  the  broken  Law 
thundered  out  its  curses  upon  all :  Gal.  iii.  10 :  and,  lo !  when 
satisfaction  was  demanded,  and  we  had  nothing  to  give,  the  very 
God  against  whom  we  had  sinned,  and  whose  injured  Law  held 
us  under  a  curse,  spared  not  his  own  Son,  but  delivered  him  up 
ftr  us  all/-  to  be  made  a  curse  for  us  :  Gal.  iii.  13;  that  he  might 
redeem  us  from  the  curse  under  which  the  Law  held  us.  "  Herein 
is  love,  not  that  we  loved  God,  but  that  he  loved  us,  and  sent  his 
Son  to  be  the  propitiation  for  our  sins :     1  John  iv.  10. 

We  may,  therefore,  reasonably  and  confidently  expect, 

2d.  That  with  him  he  will  freely  give  us  all  things.^^  He  has 
given  his  Son  for  us,  and  will  give  him  to  us  :  and  with  him  also 
freely/^  not  grudgingly,  nor  sparingly,  "  give  us  all  things,''  that 
he  sees  we  really  need :  Phil.  iv.  19.  We  have  only  to  let  In- 
finite wisdom  determine  what  things  we  do  need,  and  then  depend 
upon  having  them.  But  we  must  not  think  of  buying  or  barter- 
ing, in  order  to  attain  them :  no ;  we  must  be  willing  to  receive 
them  as  a  gift.  The  coin  we  use  in  this  world  is  not  current  in 
the  other :  we  must,  therefore,  go  to  God  as  petitioners,  and  not 
as  purchasers.    And  now, 

3d.  Put  the  question,  ^'Hoiv  shall  he  not  ? "  If  when  we  were 
enemies  to  God  by  wicked  works,  he  "  spared  not  his  own  Son," 
would  not  forgive  him  one  stroke,  nor  abate  one  farthing  of  the 
debt  he  had  undertaken  to  pay  for  us,  what  may  we  not  expect 
him  to  do  for  us  now  we  are  friends  ?  Col.  i.  21. 


14 


OF  TEMPORAL  BLESSINGS  IN  GENERAL. 


"  The  desire  of  the  righteous  shall  be  granted."  —  Prov.  x.  24. 

EVERY  real  believer  in  Christ  has  a  threefold  righteousness  : 
1st.  He  is  righteous  in  his  person^  in  Christ ;  having 
Christ's  obedience  and  sufferings  imputed  to  him :  Isa.  xlv.  24 ; 
Rom.  iv.  6.  2d.  His  nature  being  renewed,  assisted  and  directed, 
by  the  Spirit  of  God,  he  is  righteous  in  his  life ;  but  utterly  dis- 
claims this,  in  the  case  of  justification  before  God :  Phil.  iii.  9. 
He  believes  unto  righteousness:  Rom.  x.  10;  and  therefore,  3d 
his  faith  is  counted  unto  him  for  righteousness :  Rom.  iv.  3,  6,  9. 

Although  the  righteous  frequently  have  their  fears,  their  de- 
sire is  towards  God :  and  not  according  to  their  fears,  but  accord- 
ing to  their  faith,  shall  it  be  done  unto  them :  Matt.  ix.  29.  It 
does  not  say,  the  appetites  of  the  body  shall  be  gratified,  but  the 
desire  of  the  heart  shall  be  granted.  The  desire  of  a  heart  re- 
newed by  grace,  is,  to  become  like  God ;  to  love  him  more,  and 
serve  him  better ;  and  to  please  Him  in  every  thought,  word,  and 
act :  Ps.  cxix.  97,  113.  If  we  make  God  the  delight  of  our  heart, 
He  will  give  us  the  desire  of  our  heart :  Ps.  xxxvii.  4.  While 
in  this  world  we  want  but  little,  nor  shall  we  want  that  little 
long ;  but  while  we  need  it,  God  will  give  it :  Ps.  Ixxxiv.  11.  If 
we  take  God  for  our  Leader,  we  are  sure  to  have  him  for  our 
Provider.  We  must  take  care  to  have  the  law  of  God  in  our 
hearts,  and  that  will  regulate  the  desire  of  our  hearts.  Whatever 
we  desire  and  God  withholds,  we  may  rest  assured  that  it  would 
do  us  no  good,  could  we  obtain  it,  or  the  goodness  of  God  would 
compel  him  to  give  it. 

No  father  loves  his  child  any  the  less  for  withholding  what 
he  knows  would  injure  it;  neither  does  our  heavenly  Father 
evince  a  want  of  love  to  his  children,  by  suffering  them  to  cry 
loud,  and  long,  and,  after  all,  refuse  to  give  what  he  well  knows 
would  harm  them.  But  of  this  we  may  always  rest  assured,  "  The 
desire  of  the  righteous  shall  he  granted,^^  in  some  way  or  other ; 
and  in  that  way,  too,  which  will  be  most  to  their  advantage ;  for 
when  the  Lord  does  not  remove  the  burden  from  the  back,  he 
never  fails  to  fit  the  back  for  the  burden ;  2  Cor.  xii.  8,  9, 


OP  TEMPORAL  BLESSINGS  IN  GENERAL. 


15 


"  Godliness  is  profitable  unto  all  things,  haying  promise  of  the  life  that  now 
is,  and  of  that  which  is  to  come. "  —  1  Tim.  iv.  8. 

FOE  those  who  are  under  the  law,  it  is  very  natural  for  them 
to  think,  that  for  so  much  work,  they  shall  obtain  so  much 
wages :  and  that  God  will  be  faithful  to  his  promise,  if  we  per- 
form the  required  conditions.  This  is  the  result  of  pride ;  which 
arises  from  ignorance  of  ourselves,  and  of  the  word  of  God's  rich 
grace  and  free  promises  :  2  Cor.  i.  20.  Every  believer  in  Jesus  is 
a  holy,  godly  soul,  and  has  all  cause  for  daily  comfort  and  joy : 
1  Pet.  i.  8.  All  who  live  godly  have  the  gain  of  godliness  while 
living :  for,  observe. 

1st.  It  is  profitable ;  and  has,  or  having,  the  "  promise  of  the 
life  that  now  is :  there  is  nothing,  which  would  be  truly  profit 
table  unto  us,  but  godliness  has  the  promise  of.  Under  the 
Old  Testament,  the  promises  were  mostly  of  temporal  blessings  ; 
but  under  the  New  Testament,  of  blessings  spiritual,  and  eternal. 
It  may  be,  that  but  little  of  this  world's  good  things  fall  to  your 
lot ;  but  let  this  encourage  you,  that,  though  you  may  possess 
but  a  small  portion  in  the  "  life  that  now  is,"  you  will,  ere  long, 
have  no  cause  for  complaint. 

2d.  Godliness  has  the  promise  of  the  "  life  ivJiicJi  is  to  come : " 
and  the  good  things  you  will  enjoy  there,  will  fully  compensate 
you  for  all  your  pains,  trials,  crosses,  losses,  and  sufferings,  that 
you  may  be  called  to  endure,  in  "  tlie  life  tJiat  noiv  is : ''  Eom.  viii. 
28.  You  will  find  too,  even  now,  if  you  will  only  take  the  trouble 
to  balance  the  profit  and  loss,  that  you  are  a  great  gainer.  For, 
3d.  Godliness  "  is  profitable  unto  all  things : ''  and  will,  yea, 
does,  more  than  make  up  for  all  you  might  be  called  to  lose. 
Should  you  be  disgraced  among  men,  you  are  honored  before 
God :  1  John  iii.  2;  denied  in  carnal  pleasures,  you  enjoy  spiritual 
ones :  Ps.  cxix.  165 ;  and  for  losing  a  short,  vain,  uncertain,  and 
sorrowful  life  upon  earth,  you  will  gain  a  durable,  immortal,  and 
most  blessed  life  in  heaven  :  2  Cor.  iv.  17.  Having  obtained  an 
evidence  of  the  favor  of  God,  in  Him  you  will  find  a  rich,  full, 
and  ready  supply  of  all  your  needs.  The  form  of  godliness  alone, 
is  profitable  in  nothing  j  but  "  godliness  "  in  power  is  profitable 
unto  all  things^ 


16 


OF  FOOD. 


"  Trust  in  the  Lord  and  do  good;  so  shaft  thou  dwell  in  the  land,  and  verilf 
thou  shalt  be  fed."  —  Ps.  xxxvii.  3. 

THE  whole  of  religion  appears  to  consist  in  taking  God  at  his 
word ;  neither  can  any  man  be  said  to  trust  in  God  who  does 
not  obey  him  :  1  John  v.  3.    To  "  trust  in  the  Lord/^  is, 

1st.  Firmly  to  expect  whatever  he  has  promised  in  his  word : 
Ps.  Ixii.  8 ;  and  to  stay  ourselves  upon  Him,  being  resolved  to 
leave  with  him  all  future  events :  Isa.  xxvi.  3.  But,  observe, 
2d.  It  is  not  enough  that  we  trust  in  the  Lord  and  do  no  harm  j 
no  :  we  must  trust  in  Him  and  do  good;  neither  will  it  do  to  do 
good  and  then  trust  in  our  good  doings;  nor  in  ourselves,  nor 
anything  that  we  can,  or  may  do:  but  we  are  to  trust  in  the 
Lord  after  having  done  all  the  good  we  can :  Luke  xvii.  10.  And 
3d.  It  is  only  when  we  have  done  good,  that  we  have  a  right  to 
expect  good :  but  then,  we  may  confidently  trust  in  the  Lord  for 
everything  necessary  to  our  well-being ;  which  will  include  food 
as  well  as  every  other  good  thing.  It  does  not  say,  thou  shalt  be 
rich ;  but  fed :  neither  does  it  say,  thou  shalt  live  in  a  palace,  or 
be  surrounded  with  a  retinue  of  servants  ;  but  thou  ''shalt  dwell 
in  the  landJ'  And  certain  it  is,  if  you  trust  in  the  Lord,  you 
shall  have  a  place  to  live  in ;  and  be  fed  with  food  convenient  for 
you :  Isa.  xxxiii.  16. 

All  you  have  to  do,  is,  to  be  careful  to  live  right ;  and  then 
whatever  comes  must  be  right,  as  far  as  you  are  concerned:  Eom. 
viii.  28.  Should  the  winds  of  adversity  blow  hard  upon  your 
humble  cot,  and  poverty  with  his  iron  grasp  press  you  sore,  still 
trust  in  the  Lord,  and  continue  to  do  good :  resolve,  rather  to 
perish  than  to  sin:  be  careful  not  to  go  out  of  the  way  of  Provi- 
dence ;  dwell  in  the  land;  and,  though  dark  may  be  your  way,  and 
your  prospects  gloomy,  forget  not,  that  it  is  still  written,  Verily 
thou  shalt  be  fed : yea,  as  truly  as  God  hath  declared  it.  He 
who  fed  you  last,  will  feed  you  still.  Be  not  ambitious ;  nor 
covetous ;  nor  a  lover  of  gain ;  but  be  careful  of  your  walk ; 
watchful  over  your  own  conduct ;  and,  in  all  things,  adorn  your 
profession ;  lest  Jesus  be  wounded  in  the  house  of  his  friends. 
The  time  of  your  extremity  is  God's  opportunity :  food  he  has 
promised,  and  that  you  shall  have :  Gen.  xviii.  25. 


OF  FOOD. 


11 


"Behold  the  fowls  of  the  air:  for  they  sow  not,  neither  do  they  reap,  nor 
gather  into  barns ;  yet  your  heavenly  Father  feedeth  them.  Are  ye  not  much 
better  than  they  ?  "  —  Matt.  vi.  26. 

IN  all  times  and  seasons,  and  under  every  circumstance,  there 
is  something  to  be  found  in  the  words  of  Christ  well  suited 
to  our  state.  Hie  words  are  like  a  well-finished  portrait ;  which, 
whoever  looks  upon  conceives  the  eyes  to  be  fixed  upon  him.  In 
order  to  have  your  faith  simple,  and  your  hope  steadily  fixed 
upon  God,  you  are  here, 

1st.  Invited  to  "Behold,''^  look  at,  think  upon,  do  see  'HliQ 
Jowls'^  —  they  have  no  disquietude  about  what  they  shall  eat. 
There  are  many  fowls,  and  various  sorts ;  some  are  very  ravenous 
in  their  nature ;  notwithstanding,  the  God  of  Providence  feeds 
them  all,  with  food  convenient  for  them :  Ps.  cxlvii.  9.  It  gives 
them  no  concern,  in  the  fall  of  the  year,  how  they  are  to  be  pro- 
vided  for  in  the  coming  winter,  still  they  are  fed  through  the 
depth  of  winter ;  as  well  as  the  height  of  summer.  Will  your 
heavenly  Pather,  who  is  so  mindful  of  his  fowls,  be  unmindful 
of  his  children  ? 

Observe,  2d.  It  is  not  said  the  fowls  at  the  barn  door ;  but, 
the  ''fowls  of  the  air  —  not  the  tame  fowls  which  are  daily  fed 
by  their  owner  ;  but  the  wild  fowls,  that,  without  any  care  of  their 
own,  are  constantly  fed.  "  They  sow  7iot/^  neither  do  they  trouble 
themselves  to  ''gather  into  hams nor  give  themselves  any  con- 
cern about  food,  till  hunger  reminds  them  of  their  need,  then  they 
seek  and  find  it.  And  while  "  your  heavenly  Father  feeds  them, 
can  you  doubt  of  his  feeding  you  ?    Surely  not !    And  now, 

3d.  Put  the  question  to  your  own  heart,  "Are  ye  not  much 
better  than  they  9'^  Not  that  you  have  been  no  more  ungrateful 
than  ever  the  fowls  were  capable  of  being,  but  are  ye  not  of 
much  more  value  than  many  fowls  ?  Matt.  x.  31.  The  fowls 
were  made  to  serve  you ;  you  were  made  to  serve  God ;  and  how 
can  you  serve  him  without  trusting  in  him  ?  Endeavoi  to  keep 
your  soul  alive  by  faith  in  the  promises  of  God ;  and  your  body 
shall  be  kept  alive  by  the  providence  of  God :  Prov.  x.  3.  Some 
trust  God  while  they  have  all  things ;  but  do  you  strive  to  trust 
him  for  all  things.  ^^The  righteous  eateth  to  the  satisfying  of 
his  soul:"  Prov.  xiii.  25. 


18 


OF  RAIMENT. 


"Behold,  I  have  caused  thine  iniquity  to  pass  from  thee,  and  /  wi//  clothe 
thee  with  change  of  raiment,*'  —  Zech.  iii.  4. 

PLINY  informs  us  of  a  rod  of  myrtle,  which,  while  a  trav- 
eller carries  it  in  his  hand,  will  keep  him  from  growing 
weary.  Truly  the  word  of  God  is  like  this  myrtle  rod;  for  it 
braces  our  nerves,  supports  our  minds,  strengthens  our  faith, 
resolves  our  doubts,  smooths  our  rugged  path,  and  beguiles  our 
weary  steps  through  this  world  to  our  native  home. 

Your  attention  is  called  to  a  most  gracious  declaration  and 
precious  promise,  " Behold This  word  imports  excitement: 
Isa.  vii.  14;  attention:  John  i.  29;  joy:  Matt.  xxi.  5;  certainty: 
Luke  xxiv.  39;  and,  to  beholdy  is  to  look  on:  Gen.  xxxi.  51;  con- 
sider: 1  Sam.  xii.  13;  know:  John  xix.  5;  care  for:  John  xix. 
26,  27.  ''Behold/' 

1st.  God  has  forgiven  all  thy  sins,  notwithstanding  their  mag- 
nitude and  number;  and  caused  thine  iniquity  to  pass  from 
thee;'' never  more  to  appear  against  thee.  Do  you  ask,  is  it 
possible?  yea,  it  is  not  only  possible  but  certain!  for  when  the 
Lord  forgives,  he  forgives  all:  and  enables  us  to  put  off  our 
filthy  rags  of  corrupt  affections  and  lusts,  as  we  would  cast  off 
old  clothes  for  which  Ave  have  no  further  use ;  being  washed  by 
faith,  in  the  blood  of  Christ :  Rev.  i.  5,  6 :  And, 

2d.  ''A  change  of  raiment"  is  also  given.  By  faith  we  receive, 
and  are  clothed  with,  the  righteousness  of  Christ,  which  is  not 
only  given,  but  imparted  to  us.  Put  ye  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ : 
Eom.  xiii.  14.  Clothed  with  this  change  of  raiment,  you  can 
appear  in  the  court  of  heaven,  as  though  you  had  never  sinned ; 
and  ask  and  have  whatever  you  need,  with  a  full  expectation  of 
obtaining  it :  John  xiv.  13,  14. 

Having  obtained  a  change  of  raiment  for  the  soul,  you  may 
confidently  expect  one  for  the  body.  If  your  heavenly  Father 
has  clothed  the  inner  man,  you  need  not  think  the  outer  man 
will  have  to  go  naked :  Matt.  vi.  32.  Some  people  examine  their 
clothes  much,  and  their  hearts  little :  and  are  often  crying  for 
better  clothes,  when  they  ought  to  be  praying  for  better  hearts : 
2  Cor.  xiii.  5.  Many  who  wear  a  fine  outside^  have  a  filthy 
inside :  Luke  xi.  39.  A  naked  soul  is  far  worse,  and  more  to  be 
|lrea4ed,  than  a  naked  bQdy, 


OF  EAIMENT. 


19 


"If  God  so  clothe  the  grass  of  the  field,  which  to-day  is,  and  to-morrow  is 
cast  into  the  oven,  shall  he  not  much  more  clothe  you,  0  ye  of  little  faith  ?  "  — 
Matt.  vi.  30. 

THE  best  of  men  are  but  grass  at  best,  whatever  might  be 
their  endowments  :  and  the  grave,  as  an  oven,  will  shortly 
consume  them  all :  1  Pet.  i.  24.  And  that  is  a  grand  reason  why 
we  should  take  no  distressing  thought  what  we  shall  wear  on  the 
morrow ;  for  to-morrow  the  shroud,  coffin,  and  grave,  may  be  all 
that  we  shall  need  :  Prov.  xxvii.  1.  The  grass  cares  not  for  to- 
morrow ;  it  toils  not  as  we  do  :  and  yet  it  is  clothed.  Neither  do 
the  lilies  spin ;  notwithstanding,  Solomon's  clothing  could  not 
equal  theirs.  It  does  not  follow  that  we  are  to  be  idle,  and  not 
make  use  of  all  lawful  means,  but  the  contrary :  2  Thess.  iii.  10. 
But  after  having  made  use  of  every  effort  to  procure  those  things 
we  need,  we  should  leave  the  event  with  God ;  trusting  in,  and 
relying  upon  him  ;  resting  assured,  that  he  who  provides  for  his 
inferior  creatures,  without  labor,  will  not  fail  to  crown  our  labors 
with  his  blessing,  and  provide  for  us.  There  are  many  who  pay 
all  attention  to  the  body,  and  no  attention  to  the  soul ;  but  do 
you  pay  attention  to  both,  and  to  the  soul  most :  Matt.  vi.  33. 
Clothing  was  first  made  to  hide  our  shame,  though  many  make  it 
all  their  glory :  Ps.  xlix.  14.  Your  clothes  may  be  worn  thin ; 
still,  you  may  be  worn  out  before  your  clothes.  Let  it,  therefore, 
give  you  no  concern  where  your  next  suit  is  to  come  from  :  for 
surely.  He  who  clothes  the  grass  will  clothe  you, 

"  0  ye  of  little  faith,^^  give  your  fears  to  the  wind ;  let  it  suffice 
that  your  heavenly  Father  knoweth  you  have  need  of  these 
things.  Let  not  carnal  reason  exalt  itself  against  the  grace  and 
truth  of  God.  Unbelief  is  an  enemy  to  your  Lord's  love  and 
truth.  Live  no  longer  in  yourself,  but  in  Christ;  be  happy  in 
him,  and  comfortable  in  following  him :  Gal.  ii.  20.  Shall  he 
not?^^  Can  he  not?  Will  he  not  ?  Yes,  He  will;  ''much  more 
clothe  you^''  than  the  grass,  which  either  grows  unnoticed,  is  food 
for  beasts,  or  fuel  for  the  oven.  How  can  you  be  poor,  while  in 
the  possession  of  so  many  precious  jewels,  as  you  have  in  Christ  ? 
Fine  clothes  may  hide  the  shame  of  the  body,  but  can  never  cover 
the  shame  of  the  soul.  When  you  need  raiment,  ask  God :  Gen. 
xxviii.  20. 


20 


OF  LONG  LIFE. 


"  Thou  shaft  come  to  thy  grave  in  a  full  age,  like  a  shock  of  corn  cometh  in 
his  season."  —  Job  v.  25. 

IT  is  appointed  unto  men  once  to  die :  Heb.  ix.  27 ;  but  when, 
where,  and  how,  is  known  only  to  God,  in  whom  we  live  : 
Acts  xvii.  28 ;  and  though  we  cannot  lengthen  our  days,  we  may 
greatly  shorten  them :  Ps.  Iv.  23 ;  notwithstanding  the  number  of 
them  is  set,  so  that  beyond  that  bound  we  cannot  pass  :  Job  xiv. 
14.  However,  that  should  give  us  but  little  concern,  seeing  we 
are  assured  by  Him  who  gives  us  breath,  that  every  believer  shall 
die  seasonably  :  be  no  longer  in  bondage  through  fear  of  death ; 
for  thou  mayest  depend, 

1st.  Upon  not  being  driven  away,  as  is  the  case  with  the 
wicked:  Prov.  xiv.  32;  but  "tliou  shall  come  to  thy  grave,^'  as  one 
who  is  not  only  willing,  but  waiting  his  Master's  call,  fearing  no 
evil :  Ps.  xxiii.  4.    Bear  in  mind, 

2d.  Though  you  may  not  live  to  old  age,  the  promise  is,  "  Thou 
shalt  come  to  thy  grave  in  fiiU  ageJ^  You  shall  live  till  your 
work  is  done ;  and  then,  being  willing  to  die,  you  will  be  con- 
ducted to  your  grave  in  peace,  and  pass  safely  through  it.  That 
you  will  die  seasonably,  and  not  prematurely,  admits  of  no  doubt ; 
for  you  will  come  to  your  grave  ^'  like  a  shock  of  corn.'^^  You 
know  the  corn  is  not  cut  and  housed  before  it  is  fully  ripe ; 
neither  shall  death  cut  you  down,  nor  your  body  be  housed  in  the 
grave,  until  you  are  ripe  for  death  and  glory  ;  as  the  corn,  when 
cut,  is  ripe  for  the  sickle  and  barn.  Our  times  are  in  the  hand  of 
God,  who  is  the  great  husbandman,  and  who  is  continually  watch- 
ing our  growth  in  grace,  and  will  not  cut  us  down  till  he  sees  we 
are  ready,  but  will  not  suffer  us  to  remain  longer. 

You  will  live  long  enough  to  finish  your  work  that  God  has  for 
you  to  do ;  and  then,  like  happy  Paul,  you  will  want  to  be  off  to 
your  reward :  2  Tim.  iv.  6-8.  While  you  do  live,  live  to  good 
purpose  ;  strive  to  live  holy  ;  and,  unto  the  world,  die  daily  ;  and, 
while  you  have  life,  love  Christ  more  than  life.  Look  unto  the 
Lord,  and  wait  continually  upon  the  God  of  your  salvation  :  be- 
lieve him,  honor  him,  obey  him,  and  thou  shalt  come  to  thy 
grave  in  full  age,  like  a  shock  of  corn ; "  ripe  and  rank,  ready  for 
the  garne^  of  Qod, 


OF  LONG  LIFE. 


21 


Are  not  two  sparrows  sold  for  a  farthing  ?  and  one  of  them  shall  not  fall 
on  the  ground  without  your  Father. ' '  —  Matt.  x.  29. 

WHO  can  describe  the  wild  emotion  of  conscience,  and  the 
distress  of  a  soul,  under  a  feeling  sense  of  sin  and  death? 
N'one  can,  but  the  heart  which  knows  its  own  bitterness.  Neither 
can  any  tongue  express  the  sweet  peace,  and  calm  repose,  of  that 
soul  who  rests  in  Jesus ;  for  a  stranger  intermeddles  not  with 
its  joys. 

We  are  told  of  some,  who,  through  fear  of  death  were  all  their 
lifetime  subject  to  bondage  :  Heb.  ii.  15.  But  a  believer  in  Christ- 
ought  ever  to  remember,  that  Jesus,  who  has  the  keys  of  death, 
commands  him  not  to  fear  :  Eev.  i.  17,  18.  Neither  can  he  fear 
while  he  has  his  eye  of  faith  upon  the  promise  of  God  :  Ps.  xxiii. 
4.  Observe, 

1st.  The  vast  difference  between  the  value  of  a  sparroiv  and  a 
believer.  The  former  were  sold  "  tico  for  a  farthing ;  (less  than 
a  cent  apiece)  and  the  latter  was  bought  with  the  precious  blood 
of  Christ :  1  Pet.  i.  18,  19. 

2d.  The  notice  that  is  taken  of  sparrows  :  "  One  of  them  shall 
not  fall  on  the  groimd,'^^  either  to  take  up  its  food,  or  by  death, 
"  without  your  Father If,  then,  your  Father  is  so  mindful  of  his 
birds,  can  you  suppose  him  less  mindful  of  his  children  ? 

Your  enemies,  like  fowlers,  may  endeavor  to  ensnare  or  hurl 
their  envenomed  darts  at  you,  but  ''your  Father will  preserve 
you,  while  he  sees  it  will  be  for  your  good  and  his  glory;  there- 
fore, be  not  afraid  of  death,  nor  covet  life,  since  both  are  yours  : 
1  Cor.  iii.  22.  A  long  life  is  good,  but  a  good  life  is  better;  and 
you  have  the  promise  of  every  good  thing  :  Ps.  Ixxxiv.  11.  Live 
every  day  as  though  it  were  your  dying  day ;  and  you  will  have 
no  cause  to  complain  of  the  want  of  days  :  Deut.  v.  33.  While 
you  have  life  prepare  for  death.  Improve  all  the  time  you  have, 
and  when  you  come  to  die  you  will  find  you  have  lived  long 
enough  :  Phil.  iii.  21.  While  you  are  on  the  earth,  lay  up  treas- 
ure in  heaven :  Matt.  vi.  19-21.  Labor  to  be  in  your  life  what 
you  would  wish  to  be  in  death.  While  your  Father  cares  for 
you,  what  can  harm  you?  1  Pet.  iii.  13.  jSTone  but  a  father 
knows  a  father's  love  :  and  your  heavenly  Father's  love  knows 
no  bounds  :  ^ei;.  xxxi.  3, 


22 


OF  SAFETY. 


"  The  Lord  is  thy  keeper:  the  Lord  is  thy  shade  upon  thy  right  hand."  ^ 
Ps.  cxxi.  5. 

THE  most  delightful  object  to  a  spiritual  eye,  the  most  com- 
forting subject  to  a  spiritual  mind,  is  "  God  in  Christ,  recon- 
ciling the  world  unto  liimself,  not  imputing  their  trespasses  unto 
them  2  Cor.  v.  19.  The  hills  afford  us  a  pleasing  idea  of  our 
blessed  Saviour :  As  they  are  elevated  parts  of  the  same  earth 
with  the  lowest  valley;  so  Jesus  "was  found  in  fashion  as  a 
man,  took  on  him  the  same  nature,  and  was  in  all  things  like 
unto  his  brethren,  sin  alone  excepted :  Phil.  ii.  8 ;  lieb.  iv.  15. 
Truly  they  are  well  kept  whom  the  Lord  keeps.  He  who  keeps 
the  Church  is  the  keeper  of  every  individual  member.  Art  thou 
a  believer  in  Jesus  ?  —  If  so, 

1st.  Tlie  Lord  is  thy  /c^(?per; and  as  a  life-guard  would  en- 
camp around  a  prince,  to  protect  his  royal  person,  so  the  angel 
of  the  Lord  encampeth  round  about  thee  :  Ps.  xxxiv.  7.  What  is 
it,  or  who  is  it,  can  harm  thee  ?  His  angel  guards  thee,  and  He 
himself  keeps  thee  :  Ps.  xci.  1-11.  What  more  canst  thou  need? 
He  is  a  good  Shepherd,  and  thou  canst  never  have  a  better  keeper, 
and  he  has  engaged  to  keep  thee  safely  :  John  x.  28.  Thou 
may  est  meet  with  storms  to  toss  thee,  but  wilt  never  meet  with 
a  rock  to  split  thee,  while  under  the  protection  of  so  good  a 
keeper.    But  that  is  not  all ;  for, 

2d.  "  TJie  Lord  is  thy  shade Fear  not,  then,  the  threatening 
storms ;  let  the  lightning  flash,  the  thunders  roar,  the  tempest 
howl,  and  storms  beset  thee ;  beneath  this  shade  thou  art  secure  : 
Deut.  xxxiii.  12.  The  cloud  of  his  protecting  love  is  ever  over 
thee ;  the  sickly  rays  of  the  sun  cannot  smite  thee ;  neither  can 
earth  and  hell,  with  their  united  forces,  harm  thee.  For, 

3d.  The  Lord  is  upon  ''thy  right  hand.^^  And  though  thou 
mayest  have  no  power,  Christ,  thy  best  friend,  has  all  power : 
Matt,  xxviii.  18.  And  even  if  thou  shouldst  lose  thy  life  for 
Christ,  thou  wilt  find  a  better  life  in  Christ :  Col.  iii.  4. 

What  hast  thou  to  fear  ?  What  canst  thou  fear,  while  thou 
hast  so  good  a  keeper,  so  kind  a  friend,  and  blest  with  such  a 
shade,  always  "  on  thy  right  9  Away  with  your  fears.  Dread 
nothing  but  sin.  If  you  would  not  be  burnt  by  the  sun,  be  careful  to 
walk  in  the  shade,  and  set  the  liord,  always  before  you  :  Ps.  xvi,  8, 


OF  SAFETY. 


23 


"Fear  not :  I  am  the  first  and  the  fast :  I  am  he  that  liveth,  and  was  dead : 
and  behold,  I  am  alive  forevermore,  Amen :  and  have  the  keys  of  hell  and  of 
death."  — Uev.  i.  17,  18. 

THE  faithful  believer  in  Jesus  is  truly  blessed;  blessed  in 
him  with  all  spiritual  blessings ;  and  enjoys  a  sweet  sense 
of  blessedness  in  obeying  him :  Eph.  i.  3.  Notwithstanding,  you 
may  be  sometimes  sorrowful  even  unto  tears ;  but  should  always 
bear  in  mind,  that  nothing  can  befall  you  but  what  is  for  your 
good :  Rom.  viii.  28.  Our  heavenly  Father  is  so  kind,  he  only 
gives  correction  when  we  deserve  destruction  :  Lam.  iii.  22.  He 
never  leaves  his  children  for  a  single  moment ;  and  even  when 
death  stares  them  in  the  face  he  will  command  away  their  fears, 
by  whispering  to  their  hearts,  Fear  not  I  And  while  he  thus 
encourages  them  to  keep  up  their  spirits,  he  assigns  the  best  of 
reasons  why  they  should  not  fear  any  danger  that  may  threaten 
them. 

1st.  I  am,^^  says  Christ,  ''the  first  and  the  last;^^  the  first- 
born of  every  creature,  and  the  first  begotten  from  the  dead :  Col. 
i.  15-18 :  none  were  before  me ;  neither  shall  any  come  after  me : 
Prov.  viii.  22-36.    Thus  he  makes  himself  known  as  their  Lord. 

2d.  He  is  their  Saviour;  and  declares,  ''  I  loas  dead;  it  is  true 
I  had  to  submit  unto  death  for  a  time  ;  but  then,  he  could  not 
hold  me ;  I  conquered  the  king  of  terrors  in  his  own  territories ; 
I  broke  his  icy  chain,  soon  as  I  would ;  and,  behold^  I  am  alive 
forevermore :  Luke  xxiv.  38,  39.  jSTever  more  shall  death  have 
dominion  over  me ;  but  in  the  end  I  will  destroy  him  :  1  Cor.  xv. 
26.  Think  not  that  no  one  cares  for  thy  safety,  or  that  thy  suf- 
ferings are  unnoticed ;  for  "  /  a7)i  the  Amen,''  the  faithful  and  the 
true  witness  of  all  to  which  thou  art  exposed,  as  well  as  all  thou 
art  called  to  endure :  Eev.  iii.  14. 

3d.  Be  not  afraid  of  any  one  taking  thy  life,  or  sending  theo 
out  of  the  world  without  my  consent,  for  ''  I  have  the  kei/s  of  hell 
and  of  death;  "  and  it  is  impossible  for  any  one^  to  pass  from  time 
to  eternity  without  my  notice :  Eev.  v.  12,  13. 

Believer,  think  not  that  you  can  die  by  chance,  while  the  keys 
of  the  invisible  world  hang  to  the  girdle  of  your  Saviour.  ''  Our 
help  is  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  who  made  heaven  and  eartli : " 
Ts.  cxxiv.  8, 


24 


OF  SAFETY. 


"For  I,  saith  the  Lord,  will  be  unto  her  a  wall  of  fire  round  about,  and  will 
be  the  glory  in  the  midst  of  her."  —  Zech.  ii.  5. 

O  AY,  soldier  of  Christ,  has  thy  captain  ever  deceived  thee  ?  Did 


he  not  tell  thee,  before  enlisting  under  his  banner,  who  were 
his  enemies,  and  what  thou  hadst  to  expect  from  them?  Almost 
every  page  of  his  word  furnishes  accounts  how  the  men  of  this 
world  look  upon  the  children  of  God.  But  no  jnatter  who,  or 
what,  opposes  them,  the  Lord  is  resolved  to  protect  them.  God's 
peculiar  people  are,  in  themselves,  a  weak  people ;  and  the  world 
hates  the  cause  in  which  they  are  engaged,  and  consequently 
hates  them:  John  xv.  19.  But,  for  their  safety  the  Lord  has 
engaged  to  be, 

1st.  A  wall  unto  them;'^  and  such  a  ivall  too  as  their  enemies 
shall  not  be  able  either  to  batter  or  scale ;  a  wall  of  Jlre/^  that 
an  enemy  cannot  possibly  approach :  Prov.  iii.  23,  24.  Observe, 
2d.  He  will  not  be  a  wall  on  one  side  only,  but  ''round  about 
so  that,  there  being  no  breach,  it  is  impossible  for  an  enemy  to 
injure  them  :  Prov.  i.  33.  And  3d.  The  Lord  will  not  enclose 
them  and  then  leave  them,  like  forlorn  prisoners ;  for  He  himself 
will  be  the  wall,  and  will  have  "his  glory  in  the  midst  of  herJ^ 

As  the  eastern  shepherds  were  accustomed  to  collect  their 
flocks  at  night,  and  make  a  fire  round  about  them,  to  preserve 
them  from  beasts  of  prey,  which  would  not  venture  through  the 
fire,  being  afraid  of  it,  so  the  Lord  is  like  a  circle  of  fire  drawn 
round  about  all  believers ;  so  that  all  who  serve  God  may  be  truly 
said  to  live  in  God :  1  John  iv.  16 ;  and  have  the  glory  of  God  in 
the  midst  of  them.  If  God  gives  glory  to  us,  let  us  be  careful  to 
give  glory  to  God :  1  Cor.  x.  31 ;  and  ever  bear  in  mind,  that  the 
vessels  of  grace  will  swim  in  the  ocean  of  glory.  We  must  be 
purified  by  Christ,  before  we  can  be  glorified  with  Christ.  Fear 
not,  then,  trembling  believer,  for  greater  is  he  that  is  for  you, 
than  all  who  can  be  against  you :  Eom.  viii.  31.  Should  the 
hand  of  God  happen  to  be  against  you,  never  think  that  his  heart 
is  against  you ;  for  whom  he  loves  he  chastens,  in  one  way  or 
other  :  Heb.  xii.  6.  Sin  not ;  and  fear  not.  Be  not  afraid  of 
sinking  in  sorrow  while  you  are  swimming  in  grace.  "  There 
shall  not  a  hair  of  your  head  perish  : ''  Luke  xxi.  1,8„ 


OF  SAFETY. 


25 


'*  Let  your  conversation  be  without  covetousness,  and  be  content  with  such 
things  as  ye  have ;  for  he  hath  said,  I  will  never  leave  thee,  nor  forsake  thee. '  * 
—  Heb.  xiii.  5. 

COVETOUSNESS  is  a  sin  that  may  lie  long  concealed  in  our 
bosoms  ;  but  unless  it  be  subdued  will  find  way  into  our 
conversation  and  actions:  let  us,  then,  never  rest  with  such  an 
enemy ;  for,  like  a  cankerworm,  it  will  eat  away  all  our  happiness, 
and  bring  a  disgrace  on  that  cause  we  profess  to  espouse :  Prov. 
xxviii.  16.  Should  you  have  such  an  enemy  lurking  about  you, 
you  are  exhorted  to  put  it  away :  that, 

1st.  Your  conversation  might  be  without  covetousness 
2d.  Consider  how  many  good  things  of  this  life  you  have,  more 
than  you  really  deserve,  at  the  hand  of  God,  whose  holy  laws 
you  have  broken :  Gal.  iii.  10.  And,  3d.  What  spiritual  things 
you  have.  You  have  the  everlasting,  unchangeable  love  of  God 
fixed  upon  you  —  the  life,  death,  and  intercession  of  the  Son  of 
God  for  your  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctification  and  redemp- 
tion :  1  Cor.  i.  30 ;  and,  as  a  consequence  of  this,  the  Spirit  has 
bestowed  graces  upon  you;  hence  you  have  faith  in  Christ  — 
hope  towards  God  —  love  to  him  —  delight  in  him  —  and  a  desire 
to  keep  his  commandments  :  Ps.  cxix.  97  ;  and  to  encourage  and 
enable  you  to  walk  holily,  the  precious  promises  are  given  you  as 
the  staff  of  your  faith :  Eom.  xv.  4.  What  more  can  you  desire 
than  these  ?  4th.  Strive  to  "  he  content  with  such  things  as  ye 
have;^^  be  thankful  with  what  you  have,  and  willing  to  want 
what  he  is  not  willing  to  give;  ''For  he  hath  said/^  —  Who  hath 
said  ?  —  God,  who  cannot  lie,  and  who  will  never  deceive  thee,  — - 
"  /  ivill  never  leave  thee :  Joshua  i.  5 :  let  thy  condition  be  what 
it  may ;  in  sickness  and  in  health,  in  poverty  and  in  riches,  at 
home  and  abroad,  in  honor  and  reproach,  by  land  and  by  sea,  in 
life  and  in  death,  I  will  be  with  thee  to  bless  thee,  and  strengthen 
thee,  and  uphold  thee.  And,  5th.  Though  all  the  world  should 
turn  their  back  upon  thee,  "  I  ivill  not  forsake  thee:^^  Deut.  iv.  31. 

Is  not  all  this  enough  to  make  you  content  ?  Can  you  any 
longer  doubt  of  his  protecting  love  ?  —  What  could  a  God  of 
Love  say  or  do,  more  than  he  has  already  said  and  done  ?  Isa.  v. 
4.    Covetousness  is  a  great  enemy  to  all  godliness  :  Col.  iii.  5o 


26 


OF  PEACt5. 


"Great  peace  have  they  which  love  thy  law ;  and  nothing  shall  offend  them.  " 

r— Ps.  cxix.  165. 

THE  law,  the  moral  law,  worketh  wrath  :  Eom.  iv.  15 ;  for  by 
it  is  the  knowledge  of  sin.  Have  not  all  believers  experi- 
enced a  sense  of  wrath  in  the  conscience,  when  the  law  has  dis- 
covered unto  them  their  sins  ?  But  this  law  is  subservient  to 
the  law  of  love.  Jesus,  of  whom  the  ceremonial  law  was  a 
shadow,  and  by  whose  holy  life  the  moral  law  received  perfect 
obedience  to  all  its  requirements,  was  the  seed  of  the  woman," 
in  whom  the  law  of  peace  and  salvation  entered.  The  law  of  life 
and  salvation  is  "  sure  to  all  the  seed  :  "  Rom.  iv.  16.  Hence  all 
believers  delight  in,  and  have  great  peace  from  it;  for  having 
made  the  law  of  God  their  rule,  they  strive  in  all  things  to  be 
ruled  by  it :  Ps.  i.  2,  while  a  consciousness  of  having  done  what 
the  word  or  law  of  God  requires,  produces  that  inward  peace  and 
serenity  of  soul,  to  which  the  transgressors  are  strangers. 

Observe,  1st.  It  does  not  say,  they  shall  have  peace ;  but, 
Great  peace  have  they  which  love  thy  law  ;  so  that  they  do  not 
have  peace  /or  loving  the  law  of  God ;  but  in  the  act  of  loving 
it;  it  is  in  keeping  the  commands  they  have  the  reward:  Ps. 
xix.  11.  It  is  true,  they  may  have  great  troubles  Avithout,  but 
they  have  "  great  peace within.  They  have  also,  2d.  Great  se- 
curity; ioT'' nothing  shall  offend  themJ^  No  one  shall  entangle 
them ;  and  no  temptation  shall  be  too  powerful  for  them :  1  Cor. 
X.  13.  Nothing  shall,  nothing  can,  do  them  any  real  harm ;  for 
while  God  is  good  to  all,  he  is  truly  good  to  Israel :  Ps.  Ixxiii.  1. 
Whatever  befalls  them  must  be  for  the  best :  Rom.  viii.  28. 
Grace  in  the  heart  will  create  more  peace  than  gold  in  the  pocket. 
Eiches  may  make  a  man  haughty,  but  religion  will  make  a  man 
happy.  And,  3d.  The  law  of  God  is  the  will  of  God,  and,  though 
a  Christian  has  a  will  of  his  own,  he  must  never  expect  peace  in 
loving  his  own  will ;  no  ;  it  is  said  thy  law,"  and  not  our  law  : 
Matt.  vi.  10.  There  are  many  who  know  the  law  of  God,  but 
very  few  who  love  the  law  of  God ;  but  those  who  love  not  the 
law  are  very  soon  offended  if  they  are  told  so ;  while  every  wind 
that  blows  ruffles  them  ;  so  that  they  have  no  peace :  Isa.  Ivii.  21. 
Many  mistake  hearing,  or  reading  the  law,  for  doing  it. 


OF  PEACE. 


27 


"  These  things  have  I  spoken  unto  you,  that  in  me  ye  might  have  peace."  — 
John  xvi.  33. 

C HEIST'S  legacy  to  all  his  brethren^  is,  ^^tribulation  in  the 
world,  and  peace  in  him.''  Every  follower  of  Jesus  is  sure 
of  the  former,  and  no  less  certain  of  the  latter.  If  he  has  to 
suffer  for  Christ,  he  has  peace  in  him.  Observe, 

1st.  Among  the  things  spoken^^  of  by  Christ,  Avhile  in  the 
world,  you  may  expect  tribulations  from  the  world ;  neither  must 
you  be  surprised  if  your  heaviest  troubles  should  happen  to  come 
from  the  church  ;  for  it  may  be,  that  some  might  think  they 
would  be  doing  the  Lord  a  service  by  killing  you ;  but  all  such 
have  no  peace  in  Jesus  :  John  xvi.  1,  2. 

2d.  The  reason  why  Christ  has  spoken  these  things.''^  Not  to 
discourage  you,  or  keep  you  in  constant  fear;  no;  but  to  wean 
you  from  the  world,  put  you  on  your  guard,  and  encourage  you  to 
hope  in  him;  "that  in  him  ye  might  have  peace Having  made 
peace  with  the  Prince  of  peace,  you  have  peace  with  God ;  peace 
with  conscience ;  peace  with  men ;  peace  within,  and  peace  with- 
out ;  and  an  endless  peace  awaits  you  in  heaven :  Ps.  xxxvii.  37. 
If  you  have  peace  with  God,  the  world,  the  flesh  and  the  devil 
can  never  harm  you;  for  though  you  may  have  many  enemies, 
you  have  one  friend  stronger  than  all.  Christ  your  Saviour  is 
not  only  a  peace-bringer,  but  also  a  peace-maker;  and  has  made 
peace  between  your  soul  and  God :  Horn,  v.  1.  The  only  path  he 
requires  you  to  walk  in  is  peace :  Prov.  iii.  IT.  His  Gospel  is 
peace :  Eph.  vi.  15.  His  reward  is  peace :  Isa.  Ivii.  2.  So  that, 
you  perceive,  it  is  in  Christ,  and  through  him  alone,  that  we  have 
peace.  "  These  things,"  says  he,  "  I  have  sp>oken  unto  you :  "  I 
have  told  you  of  them  before  they  come  to  pass,  so,  that  you 
need  expect  no  favors  from  the  world.  I  have  now  apprised  you 
of  them,  "that  in  me  ye  might  have  peace 

We  are  too  apt  to  judge  of  God's  love  to  us  by  his  providences, 
instead  of  his  promises ;  and  forget  that  tribulation  in  the  world 
is  as  necessary  for  the  soul  as  peace  in  Jesus ;  or  our  loving 
Saviour  would  never  have  appointed  it  for  us.  The  valley  of 
tribulation  is  no  deeper,  than  the  mountain  of  peace  is  high. 
"  He  maketh  peace  in  thy  borders  : "  Ps.  cxlvii.  14 


28 


OF  HONOR. 


"By  humility  and  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  are  riches,  and  honor,  and  life.*' 
Prov.  xxii.  4. 

OF  the  vast  multitude  who  are  contending  for  honor,  but  few 
seek  it  in  that  way  in  which  alone  it  can  be  found.  Observe^ 
1st.  The  only  way  to  become  truly  honorable  is  to  become  trul;y 
humble.  "  Humility makes  men  like  angels ;  but  the  want  of  it 
made  angels  devils.  Whenever  you  would  rise  highest,  be  sure 
you  sink  lowest :  Luke  xiv.  11.  A  believer  in  Christ  is  like  a 
ship  on  the  ocean,  the  greater  the  cargo,  the  deeper  it  swims.  The 
best  of  saints  are  the  least  of  saints :  Eph.  iii.  8. 

2d.  Humility  leads  to  "the  fear  of  the  Lord;^^  which  is  here 
put  for  the  whole  of  religion ;  and  these  tAvo  together  are  riches 
and  honory  The  only  way  to  be  honored  by  God,  is  to  be 
humble  before  Him :  Matt,  xviii.  4.  While  you  are  humble  in 
the  sight  of  the  Lord,  you  will  always  be  honored  with  the 
presence  of  the  Lord ;  for  though  he  reigns  in  the  highest 
heavens,  he  also  dwells  with  the  humble  spirit :  Isa.  Ivii.  15. 
All  the  honor  that  comes  from  men  dies  with  men ;  but  the  honor 
that  comes  from  God  will  last  forever :  Ps.  cxii.  6. 

3d.  As  honor  would  be  of  no  use  to  the  dead,  you  shall  have 
'^Ufe/^  that  you  might  enjoy  your  honor.  The  Lord  will  give  you 
long  life,  if  he  sees  it  needful  for  you ;  but  if  not,  as  your  "riches 
and  honor are  eternal,  you  shall  have  eternal  life  to  enjoy  them 
in :  John  x.  28.  Ever  bear  in  mind,  the  way  to  the  holy  hill  lies 
through  the  humble  vale.  When  the  Christian  is  one  inch  above 
the  dust  he  is  one  inch  too  high.  Flesh  is  proud,  and  apt  to 
glory  in  the  presence  of  the  Lord  ;  but  faith  in  Jesus  cuts  off  all 
glorying  in  the  flesh,  as  viewing  all  our  salvation  in  Jesus  alone. 
Yet,  while  in  the  flesh,  we  are  daily  exposed  to  the  workings  of 
pride,  which  invariably  darken  our  views  of  the  Eedeemer.  The 
conceptions  of  lusts  are  the  productions  of  sin :  Jas.  i.  15.  How 
much  to  be  deplored,  how  carefully  to  be  watched  against,  and 
prayed  to  be  kept  from,  are  the  awful  effects  of  fresh  contracted 
guilt!  Pride  goes  before  shame;  but  "by  humility  and  the  fear 
of  the  Lord,  are  riches,  honor,  and  life.^^  It  is  honorable  to 
confess  sin;  but  a  shame  to  commit  it.  "The  memory  of  the 
just  is  blessed:''  Prov.  x„  7, 


OF  HONOR. 


29 


"  If  any  man  serve  me,  let  him  follow  me,  and  where  I  am  there  shall  also 
my  servant  be ;  if  any  man  serve  me,  him  will  my  Father  honor. ' '  —  John  xii.  26. 

TT  is  one  thing  to  profess  Christ,  but  another  to  serve  Him. 


-JL  1st.  The  servants  of  Christ  ''follow  Jiim;'^  thereby  proving 
that  spiritual  actions  are  the  marks  of  spiritual  Christians :  Matt, 
vii.  16.  All  who  serve  Christ  must  follow  him  in  all  his  com- 
mandments :  John  XV.  14 ;  methods  and  precepts  :  Matt.  xi.  29. 
He  must  be  followed  in  his  example,  as  a  pattern;  and  in  his 
Providence  and  Spirit,  whithersoever  he  leads.  2d.  The  servants 
of  Christ  must  be  always  in  waiting;  ''where  I  am,  there  shall 
also  my  servant  be;''  in  the  church,  in  the  assemblies  of  his 
saints,  and  whenever  his  ordinances  are  administered,  wherever 
it  may  be,  they  must  ever  be  ready  to  obey  all  his  commands : 
Matt,  xviii.  20.  3d.  Christ  has  not  only  appointed  the  work,  but 
fixed  the  wages  ;  "  If  any  man  serve  me,  Jiim  will  my  Father 
honor ;  "  and  not  with  such  honor  as  they  deserve,  but  such  as 
becomes  a  God  to  give :  1  Sam.  ii.  30.  It  shall  be  true  honor, 
well  worthy  that  name ;  yea,  everlasting  honor  :  Isa.  xxxv.  10 ; 
the  highest  honor  that  can  be  given :  Eev.  i.  6.  Onlj^  serve  the 
Son,  and  notwithstanding  your  weakness,  and  inability  to  per- 
form your  work  so  well  as  it  ought  to  be,  or,  as  you  may  desire, 
your  labors  will  not  be  rejected,  nor  your  services  forgotten. 
4th.  "If  any  man  serve  me;  no  matter  who  he  is,  or  what  he  is, 
if  he  does  all  he  can,  no  more  is  required ;  "  him  will  my  Father 
honor.''     For  there  is  no  respect  of  persons  with  God:  Kom. 


Some  who  think  themselves  the  servants  of  Christ,  and  expect 
to  be  honored  by  the  Eather,  are  very  fond  of  the  promises,  but 
despise  the  duties ;  others  there  are  who  love  holy  sayings  and 
unhol}^  doings ;  forgetting  that  good  words,  without  good  works, 
will  never  turn  to  a  good  account :  Matt.  vii.  21.  If  we  would 
wear  Christ's  crown,  we  must  bear  Christ's  cross :  Matt.  xvi.  24. 
To  be  patient,  and  continue  in  well-doing,  is  the  high-road  to 
honor,  immortality,  and  eternal  life  :  Eom.  ii.  7.  A  saint  in  rags 
is  more  honorable  than  a  sinner  in  robes. 


ii.  11. 


80  05^  DIKECTIOK 

"He  will  be  our  guide  even  unto  death. "  —  Ps.  xlviii.  14. 

IF  the  Lord  be  our  God,  there  is  no  question  about  his  being 
our  Guide;  and  it  is  our  special  mercy  we  do  not  serve  an 
unknown  God;  he  has  manifested  himself  to  us;  is  known  by 
us ;  and  we  have  his  Spirit  within  us  :  Eom.  viii.  16.  Here  is, 
1st.  The  joyful  assurance  of  faith:  ''He  will  he  our  Guide 
he  will  not  only  show  us  the  way,  but  put  us  in  it.  There  is  no 
part  of  our  way  but  he  is  perfectly  acquainted  with ;  and  all  the 
way  we  should  go  he  has  marked  out  for  us :  Ps.  i.  6.  Who, 
then,  can  be  so  well  qualified  to  guide  us  ?  Perhaps  you  are 
ready  to  say,  my  path  is  so  crooked,  dark,  and  intricate,  that  I 
fear  I  shall  never  get  safely  through  it.  Let  that  never  trouble 
you ;  leave  that  to  your  guide ;  that  is  his  business ;  he  has  en- 
gaged to  guide  you,  and  must  do  it.  All  you  have  to  do,  is,  to 
be  guided  by  him ;  go  by  his  directions ;  and  when  it  comes  to 
the  darkest,  so  that  you  have  no  light,  then  hang  upon  his  arm ; 
trust  in  him,  and  stay  yourself  altogether  upon  him  :  Isa.  1.  10. 
0,  tremendous  thought !  if  God  were  ever  to  cease  to  be  our 
Guide,  we  should  stumble  and  fall  into  remediless  ruin ;  but  such 
a  thought  can  only  be  produced  by  ignorance  and  unbelief ;  and 
tends  to  presumption,  thinking  we  can  do  something  to  cause  the 
Almighty  to  become  our  God  and  Guide ;  and  if  we  fail,  he  will 
leave  us  to  grope  our  own  way  into  the  bottomless  pit.  Such  is 
not  the  language  of  Scripture  ;  no  ;  for  both  say, 

2d.  "  He  will  be  our  guide  even  unto  death  ; "  and  that  will  be 
the  end  of  our  journey;  yea,  and  he  will  not  only  guide  us  to 
death,  but  through  death :  Ps.  xxiii.  4.  He  will  guide  us  to  death, 
and  lead  us  through  death ;  so  that  death  shall  not  be  able  to  do 
lis  any  real  injury :  Ps.  Ixxiii.  24. 

Perplex  yourself  no  longer ;  commit  your  way  unto  the  Lord, 
and  he  shall  bring  it  to  pass :  Ps.  xxxvii.  5.  There  is  no  dark- 
ness, no  difficulty,  with  God;  and  he  is  engaged,  by  all  he  has 
and  is,  for  your  security.  The  gloomy  night  of ^  life  will  soon  be 
past,  and  the  glorious  morning  of  eternity  will  break  in  upon 
your  soul,  when  all  your  difficulties  will  have  forever  vanished. 
Bear  in  mind,  there  are  no  ifs,  huts,  and  may-bes  about  it.  He 
will  make  darkness  light  before  you  :  Isa.  xlii.  16. 


OF  DIRECTION, 


31 


'*  If  any  of  you  lack  wisdom,  let  him  ask  of  God,  that  giveth  to  all  men  liber- 
ally, and  upbraideth  not,  and  it  shall  be  given  him.  "  —  James  i.  5. 

rpiHE  revealed  truths  of  God^  and  not  his  secret  purposes,  are 


even  should  your  case  be  as  was  Paul's,  when  neither  sun  nor 
stars  appeared  for  many  days,  and  when  no  small  tempest  is  upon 
thee,  and  all  hope  of  being  saved  seems  taken  away  :  Acts  xxvii. 
20.  For  in  every  storm  you  have  Jesus  at  the  helm  j  who  well 
knows  how  to  take  thy  vessel  into  port ;  though  you  may  be 
ignorant  and  unacquainted  with  the  coast.  All  men  are  ignorant, 
but  none  more  so  than  ourselves ;  and  while  fools  profess  great 
wisdom,  let  you  and  I  confess  our  want  of  wisdom.  Here  we 
have, 

1st.  A  view  of  God's  liberality:  If  any  o/ 2/0?/,'^  without  re- 
gard to  age,  condition,  or  acquirements,  "  lack  ivrsdom,^^  and  are 
sensible  of  your  lack,  ''let  Jiim/^  without  any  scruple  or  delay, 
''ask  of  God^^  to  supply  that  lack;  who  is  infinite  in  wisdom  and 
has  an  abundance  to  give  :  Eom.  xi.  33. 

2d.  The  encouragement  given  to  ask:  He  "giveth  to  all  men;^^ 
and  will,  therefore,  give  it  to  us,  so  sure  as  we  ask  it.  Be  not 
bashful ;  the  only  way  to  become  wise,  in  God's  sight,  is  first  to 
become  fools  in  our  own.  Make  no  excuse  about  your  wanting 
so  great  a  stock,  in  consequence  of  your  being  so  very  ignorant. 
But  remember, 

3d.  He  giveth  to  all  men  "  liberally ;  plentifully;  and  cheer- 
fully ;  yea,  you  shall  have  as  much  as  you  need.  Do  not  think 
either,  that  you  will  not  be  so  successful  as  others  have  been. 

4th.  The  matter  is  put  beyond  dispute;  "It  slicdl  he  given 
there  is  but  one  if  in  the  whole  matter ;  and  that  is,  "  If  you 
lack ;  "  you  have  no  room  to  doubt  of  obtaining  all  the  informa- 
tion you  can  require ;  "  it  shall  be  given."  Do  not  be  afraid 
either  of  going  at  a  wrong  time,  or,  of  your  ignorance  confound- 
ing you  and  exposing  your  folly.  For, 

5th.  He  "  uphraidetli  not,^^  Go  when  you  may,  you  cannot  go 
out  of  season;  ask  as  often  as  you  will,  you  will  never  be  up 
braided  on  account  of  being  troublesome;  but  will  receive  a  lib- 
eral supply. 


Happy  art  thou,  0  Christian! 


32 


OF  plenty:'. 


"He  shall  be  like  a  tree  planted  by  the  risers  of  water,  that  bringeth  forth 
his  fruit  in  his  season ;  his  leaf  also  shall  not  wither;  and  whatsoever  he  doeth 
shall  prosper.  "  —  Ps.  i.  3. 

TTTHAT  a  beautiful  gradation  is  here  !    1st.     He  shall  be  like 


V  V  a  tree;''  not  a  shrub^  or  bramble,  that  is  of  little  or  nc 
service;  but  a  tree;  grafted  into  Christ  the  tree  of  life:  Isa.  Ixi. 
3.  Not  like  a  tree  that  grows  wild  and  unnoticed  in  the  forest. 
Butj  2d.  "Like  a  trc^  planted;^'  removed  out  of  its  natural  and 
unprotected  situation,  into  one  much  more  favorable  to  its  growth ; 
planted  by  the  grace  of  God.  3d.  Mark  his  situation !  Not  in 
the  burning  desert ;  nor  by  the  side  of  a  brook,  that  in  the  time 
of  drought  would  soon  run  dry ;  nor  on  the  bleaky  beach,  where 
the  angry  waves  would  continually  cover  it  with  their  spray ;  but 
^'by  the  rivers  of  ivater;^^  where  it  shrll  always  find  sufficient 
moisture  to  support  its  growth:  Ps.  civ.  16.  Observe,  4th.  It 
is  not  a  tree  for  fuel,  but  for  fruit ;  neither  is  it  a  barren  tree : 
but  fruit-tree ;  and  one  that  "brinrjeth  forth  his  fruit  Deut. 
XXX.  9.  God  will  not  suffer  barren  trees  to  remain  always  in  his 
garden :  Luke  xiii.  7.  Notice,  5th.  It  does  not  say,  he  brings 
forth  fruit  always  alike,  either  in  quantity  or  quality;  no,  but 
"  in  his  season.^^  Neither  does  it  say,  it  is  not  to  be  exposed  to 
storms,  tempests,  nor  dark  nights  ;  nor  that  it  shall  have  no 
enemies  who  will  endeavor  to  steal  the  fruit,  or  injure  the  tree ; 
no ;  but  none  of  these  things  shall  prevent  it  from  bringing  forth 
fruit  in  its  season :  Ps.  xcii.  12.  The  leaves  of  the  trees  in  the 
forest  do  fade  and  fall:  But,  6th.  His  leaf  shall  not  icither;'' 
his  profession  shall  be  preserved  from  decay ;  while  those  who 
bring  forth  the  leaf  of  profession,  v/ithout  any  good  fruit,  even 
i}hat  leaf  shall  wither;  and  they  shall  become  ashamed  of  the 
leaves  they  have  worn.  The  word  of  the  Lord  in  the  heart  will 
keep  the  profession  green.  He  is  an  evergreen,  always  flourish- 
ing: Deut.  xi.  14,  15.  And,  7th.  Whatsoever  he  doeth  shall 
prosper;  so  that,  whatever  befalls  him,  all  tends  to  promote  his 
growth.  It  does  not  say,  if  he  is  a  farmer  he  shall  always  have 
an  abundant  harvest ;  nor,  if  a  merchant,  all  gain  and  no  loss ; 
nor  if  a  tradesman,  no  disappointment ;  no,  but  "  whatever  he 
doethy'^  all  shall  work  for  his  good :  Eom.  viii.  28.  Yea,  all 
things  710W  work  well  for  such  an  one. 


OF  PLENTY. 


33 


*'Seek  ye  first  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  his  righteousness ;  and  a// these 
things  shall  be  added  unto  you."  —  Matt.  vi.  33. 

rr^HEEE  are  many  who  make  religion  their  by-business ;  but 


JL  do  you  make  it  your  main-business  ;  and  then  you  will  find 
it  a  profitable  business  :  1  Tim.  iv.  8.    Here  Ave  have^ 

1st.  The  course  of  life  enjoined ;  "  Seeh  ye  first  the  kingdom  of 
God;  endeavor  to  submit  to  the  mild  sceptre  of  Christ,  and 
secure  the  erection  of  his  kingdom  in  your  heart;  or,  be  subject 
to  Jesus  :  Luke  xvii.  21.  But,  in  order  to  secure  the  kingdom 
of  God,  we  must  seek  "  his  righteousness ;  make  ourselves 
acquainted  with  his  method  of  making  men  righteous  :  Acts  xiii. 
39.  And  if  we  would  seek  the  kingdom  and  righteousness  of  God 
successfully,  we  must  seek  it  '^firstP  Let  your  work  above  be 
first  done,  that  your  work  below  might  be  well  done.  Seek  it 
first  every  day,  and  as  sure  as  you  seek  it  you  shall  find  it  \  Matt, 
vii.  7.    Let  holiness  be  your  way,  and  heaven  will  be  your  end. 

2d.  We  have  the  promise  annexed  to  the  observance  of  the 
mj unction :  ''All  these  things  shall  he  added  unto  yoiiy  Having 
secured  the  first  two  things,  all  these  things  shall  be  given  you 
into  the  bargain.  Do  you  ask  what  things  ?  The  answer  is,  all 
good  things  :  Ps.  xxxiv.  10.  "  All  these  things "  necessary  for 
the  support  of  the  body,  whatever  you  really  need,  ''shall  be 
added  unto  you :  Phil.  iv.  19.  There  can  be  no  room  to  doubt 
of  this,  since  the  Saviour  has  declared  they  shall  be  added. 

Be  careful  to  seek  holiness,  and  you  are  sure  to  find  happiness. 
Eeligion  is  the  one  thing  needful ;  make  sure  of  that  one  thing, 
and  that  will  secure  to  you  all  needful  things  :  Luke  x.  42.  He 
who  has  enough  has  plenty.  He  who  possesses  Christ  has  all 
things  in  Christ  :  1  Gor.  iii.  21-23.  You  have  nothing  to  dread 
from  poverty  in  pocket  while  you  are  poor  in  spirit :  Matt.  v.  3. 
What  further  security  can  you  ask,  or  desire,  beyond  eternal 
veracity  ?  While  Christ  is  yours,  what  have  you  to  fear  ?  What 
can  you  fear?  Troubles  you  Avill  have  ;  and  scarcity  of  some 
things  you  may  have ;  but  be  careful  to  seek  first  God's  kingdom 
and  righteousness  ;  and  you  shall  have  plenty  of  needful  things 
a,ddecl.    Say,  is  not  that  enough  ? 


34       OF  A  BLESSING  UPON  ALL  THAT  A  GOOD  MAN  HAS. 


"And  he  shall  serve  the  Lord  your  God,  and  he  shall  bless  thy  bread,  and 
thy  water. ' '  —  Exod.  xxiii.  25. 

EXHORTATIONS  sound  so  legal  in  the  ears  of  some,  that 
they  cannot  bear  them  to  be  used,  either  to  saints  or  sinners ; 
but  they  have  most  need  of  them  who  see  the  least  cause  for 
them.    Here  we  have, 

1st.  A  duty  enjoined:  Ye  shall  serve  the  Lord  your  God;^^ 
but  it  shall  not  be  for  naught.  The  true  and  proper  foundation  of 
the  service  of  God,  should  be  laid  in  a  knowledge  of  him — recon- 
ciliation with  him  —  and  a  deliverance  from  all  other  masters: 
1  Chron.  xxviii.  9.  To  serve  God  is  reasonable  —  advantageous 
—  and  necessary.  Serve  God  and  depend  upon  his  serving  you; 
serve  him  faithfully,  with  your  whole  heart,  and  he  will  give  you 
the  desire  of  your  heart :  Ps.  xxxvii.  4.  God  in  Christ  is  your 
Father ;  you  may,  therefore,  expect  his  service  will  be  easy ;  yea, 
perfect  freedom:  Gal.  v.  1.  There  are  those  who  wear  God's 
livery  and  do  the  devil's  drudgery ;  but  all  such  have  no  lawful 
claim  to  the  promises  of  God. 

2d.  We  have  a  precious  promise  annexed  :  "  He  shall  bless  thy 
bread  and  thy  tvater.^^  The  Lord  has  not  only  promised  you  bread 
and  water,  but  a  blessing  also ;  and  what  more  can  you  desire  ? 
Prov.  X.  22.  Bread  and  water,  with  the  blessing  of  God,  Avill 
make  you  look  fatter  and  fairer  than  the  wicked  who  may  eat  at 
the  king's  table  :  Dan.  i.  15.  Christ  and  a  crust  are  greater 
riches,  than  great  treasures  without  Christ :  Matt.  xvi.  26.  The 
Lord  will  not  only  bless  ^^your  bread,  and  your  water,"  but  all 
that  you  have  :  Deut.  xxviii.  3-6 ;  and  enable  you  to  rejoice  in 
all  the  good  things  he  gives  you  :  Deut.  xxvi.  11.  Some  masters 
give  their  servants  but  few  things,  and  those  very  sparingly ;  but 
God  gives  to  those  who  serve  him  all  things  richly :  1  Tim.  vi.  17. 

Our  necessary  dependence  upon  the  goodness  of  God  should 
bring  us  to  obedience ;  and  deter  us  from  offending  our  Protector 
and  Benefactor.  Ye  shall  serve  the  Lord  your  God,"  is  the 
precept  of  our  best  friend;  who  has  a  just  claim  to  all  our 
services ;  and  for  a  worm  of  the  earth  to  scornfully  turn  away, 
and,  by  his  actions,  say,  I  will  not ! "  is  the  deepest  of  ingrati- 
tude.   Do  you  bless  God;,  and  depend  upon  his  blessing  you. 


OF  A  BLESSING  UPON  ALL  THAT  A  GOOD  MAN  HAS. 


35 


"  B/essed  are  the  meek,  for  they  shall  inherit  the  earth.  "  —  Matt,  v.  5. 

THIS  precious  jewel,  or  promise,  is  a  quotation  from  Ps.  xxxvii. 
11;  and  appears  to  be  one  of  the  most  direct  temporal 
promises  we  have  in  the  New  Testament.  Moses  was  a  meek 
man ;  he  possessed  a  temper  of  mind  humble  and  submissive  to 
the  will  of  God,  and  not  easily  provoked  by  injuries :  Numb.  xii. 
3;  but  Jesus  Christ,  being  infinitely  more  so,  must  be  our  pattern: 
Matt.  xi.  29.  Observe, 

1st.  Blessed  are^^^  not  shall  be,  the  meek;^^  that  is,  happy 
are  the  meek.  They  are  those  who  believe  that  whatever  befalls 
them  is  for  the  best :  Kom.  viii.  28.  They,  therefore,  quietly 
submit  to  the  will,  word,  and  rod,  of  their  heavenly  Father :  Luke 
xxi.  19 ;  and  are  mild  and  kind  toward  all  men.  They  possess 
themselves ;  are  governors  of  all  their  passions ;  imitate  their 
Saviour;  and  would  rather  die  than  sin:  Gen.  xxxix.  9.  They 
not  only  are  in  possession  of  themselves,  but, 

2d.  "  They  shall  inherit  the  earthJ^  It  does  not  say  they  shall 
have  much  of  the  earth ;  but  "  inherit  it.  They  shall  have  a 
peaceable  and  quiet  possession  in  it;  it  shall  be  to  them  a  land  of 
Canaan;  which  was  typical  of  that  rest  which  they  enjoy:  Heb. 
iv.  9 ;  Deut.  xxvi.  11.  Neither  shall  their  inheritance  below  be 
any  the  less  for  their  laying  up  treasures  above.  The  meek  stand 
above  present  things  and  look  at  eternal  things :  2  Cor.  iv.  18. 
Their  inheriting  the  earth  does  not  keep  them  from  Christ ;  that 
would  be  ungrateful ;  but  leads  them  to  Christ,  to  tell  him  they 
are  thankful.  Christ,  at  the  worst,  is  better  than  the  world  at 
the  best :  Phil.  iii.  7,  8. 

0  happy  frame  of  mind !  that  thus  secures  heaven  and  inherits 
earth.  "Blessed,''  truly  blessed,  "are  the  meek,''  who,  however 
ill  men  may  treat  them,  treat  all  men  well;  who  are  always 
thankful  in  the  possession  of  what  they  have  of  the  earth ;  well 
knowing,  that  when  God  withholds  one  thing  from  them,  his 
design  is  to  give  a  better  to  them.  It  is  true,  we  cannot  say  they 
are  perfect  in  holiness  —  have  no  doubts — that  their  blessedness 
is  never  interrupted ;  but,  after  all,  they  are  blessed  in  their  con« 
dition ;  for  they  are  supported,  instructed,  inherit  the  earth  now, 
and  shall  m  the  end  inherit  all  things.  In  a  little  while,  you  will  be 
of  age ;  and  then  you  will  inherit  a  kingdom  that  cannot  be  moved 


The  promise  is  to  tou  and  your  children."-  Page  3?, 


OF  A  BLESSING  UPON  THE  CHILDREN  OF  THE  GOOD.  37 


"  The  promise  is  to  you  and  your  children. ' '  —  Acts  ii.  39. 
HEN"  God  entered  into  covenant  with  Abraham^  he  prom- 


V  V  ised,  not  only  to  be  a  God  unto  him^  but  his  seed  also : 
Gen.  xvii.  7 ;  and  declared  that  in  him  all  families  of  the  earth 
should  be  blessed  :  Gen.  xii.  3.  And  Peter,  when  addressing  the 
Jews  who  had  long  had  an  interest  in  the  Covenant,  and  wore 
the  seal  of  it,  reminded  them  of  this  fact.  "  The  promise  of 
the  remission  of  sins,  and  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  'Hs  to  you;^^ 
as  much  as  ever  it  was  to  them;  ''and  to  your  children;^''  even  as 
it  was  to  theirs  :  Isa.  xliv.  3.  Let  every  believer  in  Christ  do  by 
their  children  as  Abraham  did  by  his,  and  they  shall  find  that 
the  promise  is  not  confined  to  the  Jews,  but  was  extended  even 
to  all  that  are  afar  off :  Gen.  xviii.  19. 

No  matter  how  far  from  God  your  children  may  appear,  God  is 
able  to  make  his  call  reach  them  ;  and  the  grace  that  found  you 
out,  is  able  to  find  out  them ;  and  you  have  no  room  to  doubt  but 
it  will :  Prov.  xx.  7.  You  cannot  give  your  children  grace  ;  but 
remember  God  can  :  Jer.  xxxii.  27.  When  endeavoring  to  culti- 
vate the  minds  of  your  children,  you  may  often  have  to  sow  the 
seed  in  sorrow  ;  but  that  is  no  proof  it  \f  ill  never  spring  up  :  Ps. 
cxxvi.  5.  You  can  trust  the  Lord  with  yourself,  and  are  not 
afraid  to  venture  both  soul  and  body  upon  him ;  and  why  not 
trust  him  with  your  children  ?  Ps.  xxxvii.  25,  26.  Continue  to 
instruct  them  to  the  best  of  your  ability ;  teach  them  to  know 
themselves  ;  to  know  God  in  the  several  relations  in  which  He 
stands  to  them  ;  to  know  Christ  in  his  person  and  offices  ;  to 
know  the  Scriptures,  Avhich  are  able  to  make  them  truly  wise  in 
the  way  of  salvation :  2  Tim.  iii.  15,  16  ;  John  xiv.  6.  Set  them 
a  good  example ;  pray  with  them,  and  for  them  ;  and  put  them 
upon  praying  for  themselves ;  and,  having  done  all  you  can,  leave 
the  event  with  God  ;  never  doubting  but  it  will  be  well  with  them, 
both  here  and  hereafter,  "  For  the  promise  is  to  you  and  your 
children :  Jer.  xxxii.  39.  Endeavor,  all  that  in  you  lies,  to 
make  your  children  acquainted  with  the  fact,  that  this  promise 
belongs  to  all  of  them.  The  promises  of  God  are  sure.  Not  a, 
word  that  God  hath  spoken  will  by  him  be  forgotteii. 


38      OF  A  BLESSING  UPON  THE  FAMILIES  OF  THE  GOOD. 

' '  The  house  of  the  righteous  shall  stand. ' '  —  Prov.  xii.  7. 
TTIHE  grave  is  the  house  appointed  for  all  living  :  Job  xxx.  23  : 
J-  and  the  body  is  a  Jiouse  for  the  soul :  2  Cor.  v.  1 ;  the  former 
of  these  houses  shall  be  destroyed :  Hos.  xiii.  14 ;  and  the  latter 
shall  crumble  to  dust :  Job  xxxiv.  15 ;  but  "  the  hoiise,^^  the 
household,  or  family,  "  of  the  righteous  shall  stand :  Acts  x.  2. 
And  no  wonder ;  for  how  is  it  possible  for  that  house  to  fall,  which 
has  the  upholder  of  the  universe  for  its  prop?  Matt.  vii.  24. 
Whatever  may  become  of  others,  it  shall  be  well  with  the  right- 
eous, or  he  who  fears  God,  and  his  house :  Gen.  vii.  1.  All  who 
sustain  the  character,  righteous^  may  rest  assured  the  promise  be- 
longs to  them  ;  and  that  their  families  are  under  the  special  pro- 
tection of  heaven ;  therefore,  no  real  evil  can  come  nigh  their 
dwelling  :  Job  v.  24.  The  providence  of  God  may  change  often^ 
but  the  promises  of  God  change  never. 

The  righteous  have  wisdom  to  govern  their  families  aright ; 
and  family-piety  is  sure  to  bring  family-blessings  :  Ps.  cxxviii. 
3-6.  Death  may  remove  a  righteous  man  from  his  house,  but 
his  "  house  shall  stand  ; his  family  shall  be  kept  up  ;  his  name 
shall  not  be  forgotten :  aM  his  generation  shall  be  blessed  :  Ps. 
cxii.  2.  Look  upon  your  own  righteousness  as  filthy  rags  ;  while 
you  live  by  faith  on  Ciirist  your  Eighteousness. 

Be  careful  to  know,  that,  through  Christ,  you  are  righteous  in 
the  sight  of  God ;  and  then,  by  faith,  lay  hold  of  the  promises  of 
God.  There  are  many  who  look  like  saints  in  God's  house,  who 
live  like  sinners  in  their  own  house  :  Eph.  v.  12.  A  righteous 
man  is  a  new  man  :  2  Cor.  v.  17  ;  and,  consequently,  has  put  off 
the  old  man  with  his  deeds  :  Col.  iii.  9.  The  path  of  the  right- 
eous may  be  dark,  but  the  word  of  God  is  his  lamp  :  Ps.  cxix. 
195.  His  enemies  may  be  numerous  and  formidable,  but  the 
Lord  is  his  shield:  Ps.  xxxiii.  20.  How,  then,  can  it  be  possible 
for  his  house  to  fall,  while  it  is  so  well  supported  ?  Tempests 
may  howl,  storms  arise,  and  foes  beset  it,  but  after  all  that 
can  be  done,  "  The  house  of  the  righteous  shall  stand.''  The 
rigors  of  superstition  are  from  man.  The  voice  of  God  is,  fly 
misery  :  live  and  be  happy.  Rehearse,  in  your  own  house,  the 
part  you  would  perform  iu  God's  house. 


OF  A  BLESSING  UPON  THE  FAMILIES  OF  THE  GOOD. 


39 


The  Lord  is  faithful,  who  shall  establish  you,  and  keep  you  from  evil,  "  — 
2  Thess.  iii.  3. 

IT  is  the  duty  and  privilege  of  all  Christians,  not  only  to  pray 
to  Godj  but  to  trust  in  him.  Observe, 
1st.  What  encouragement  we  have  to  put  our  trust  in  the 
Lord:  "  The  Lord  is  faitlifuV^  He  is  faithful  to  his  promises; 
he  neither  can  nor  Avill  forget  them.  The  Lord's  saying  of  it  is 
his  doing  of  it ;  when  once  the  promise  is  made,  the  performance 
is  sure  to  follow  :  Heb.  vi.  18.  He  is  faithful  in  all  the  relations 
in  which  he  stands  related  to  us ;  as  a  faithful  God,  and  a  faith- 
ful Friend ;  who  was  never  known  to  disappoint  one  who  trusted 
in  him :  Ps.  xxii.  4,  5. 

2d.  What  that  good  is,  we  may  expect  from  the  Lord ;  1st. 
Establishment :  What  a  consolation  is  this  to  the  poor  trembling 
believer ;  who,  from  a  sense  of  his  own  weakness,  is  constantly 
crying,  "  0  how  unstable  I  am !  I  am  afraid  that  evil  will, 
some  time  or  other,  prove  my  ruin ! Should  this  be  your 
case,  you  would  do  well  to  remember,  it  was  grace  that  saved 
you  from  evil ;  and  were  you  no  better  kept  than  what  you  can 
keep  yourself,  you  would  soon  sell  your  birth-right,  and  make  a 
shipwreck  of  faith  and  a  good  conscience :  Eph.  ii.  8,  9.  The 
Lord  has  engaged  to  establish''  to  fix,  settle,  and  confirm  you ; 
and  that  should  silence  all  your  fears.  He  will  direct,  assist,  and 
bless  your  undertaking :  Ps.  xc.  17.  You  have  a  corrupt,  deceit- 
ful heart,  that  would  constantly  deceive  and  lead  you  into  evil : 
Jer.  xvii.  9 :  but  let  not  that  trouble  you.  Eor,  "  The  Lord  shall 
establish  you,  and  keep  you  froyn  evil^  The  promise  is  made  to 
you,  and  you  need  not  be  concerned  about  the  performance  of  it ' 
Matt.  V.  18.  He  will  not  only  keep  your  own  person,  but  all 
that  appertains  unto  you :  Prov.  xiv.  11.  He  regards  yours  on 
your  account;  and  you  may  depend  upon  his  keeping  you,  and 
all  you  commit  to  his  care,  in  perfect  safety ;  for  "  The  Lord  is 
faithfuV^  The  evil  of  sin  is  the  greatest  of  all  evils ;  and  you 
need  fear  nothing  so  long  as  you  are  kept  from  that  evil.  Ee- 
member  there  is  a  wide  difference  between  your  living  in  evil, 
and  evil  living  in  you:  Kom.  vii.  21-23.  Love  the  Lord  —  be 
afraid  of  sin —  and  ashamed  of  your  unbelief. 


CHAPTER  11. 


PROMISES  RELATING  TO  TROUBLES  IN  LIFE: 
m  GENERAL. 
OF  PRESERVATION  FROM  EVIL. 

"  There  shall  no  evil  happen  to  the  just."  —  Prov.  xii.  21. 

THE  way  of  religion  is  a  safe^  pleasant,  comfortable,  and  prof- 
itable way.  Where  grace  reigns  in  the  heart,  it  produces 
a  holy  security  and  serenity  of  soul ;  it  enables  a  man  to  hold 
fast  his  integrity  and  peace,  whatever  happens ;  and  gives  him 
boldness  before  God  and  the  world:  Acts  iv.  13.  Whoever  is 
careful  to  be  sincerely  just  (righteous)  may,  in  the  midst  of 
abounding  calamity,  rely  upon  the  promises  of  a  righteous  God, 
who  has  engaged  that  "  no  evil shall  happen  to  them. 

"  The  just  may  have  troubles,  yea,  many  troubles  ;  yet,  to 
them,  those  troubles  have  "  no  evil  in  them :  Ps.  xci.  10.  The 
Lord,  by  the  power  of  his  grace,  that  principle  of  justice  in  them, 
keeps  them  from  sin ;  so  that  though  they  may  be  tempted,  they 
shall  not  be  overcome  by  the  temptation :  1  Cor.  x.  13.  "  The 
just,^^  being  satisfied  they  are  in  the  path  of  their  duty  to  God 
and  man,  feel  themselves  relieved  from  an  oppressive  burden; 
it  being  their  privilege  to  leave  all  consequences  with  God :  Ps. 
xxxvii.  5.  Be  not  discouraged  ;  whatever  happens  thee,  whether 
sickness,  poverty,  crosses,  disappointments,  persecution,  or  losses, 
"  no  evil  shall,  no  evil  can  happen  thee ;  He  shall  deliver  thee 
in  six  troubles;  yea,  in  seven,  there  shall  no  evil  touch  thee. 
Job  V.  19.    Feaj*  no  evil  but  the  evi}  of  sin.. 


OF  PRESERVATION  FROM  EVIL. 


41 


*' I  pray  not  that  thou  shouldst  take  them  out  of  the  world,  but  that  thou 
shouldst  keep  them  from  the  evil.  "  —  John  xvii.  15. 

/^UR  advocate  with  the  Father  is  intimately  acquainted  with 


our  wants,  burdens,  dangers,  weaknesses,  and  difficulties-, 
and  we  should,  therefore,  fear  no  evil  but  sin.  Our  spiritual 
enemies,  it  is  true,  are  numerous  and  formidable ;  but  we  have 
nothing  to  fear  from  them ;  nor  from  anything  else  that  may 
come  upon  us,  over  which  we  have  no  control ;  since  Christ  has 
prayed  that  we  might  be  preserved  from  evil.  Observe, 

First,  the  prayer  itself.  1st.  He  prays,  "  Not  that  they  should 
be  taken  out  of  the  world."  No,  for  many  important  ends  are 
answered  by  Christians  being  continued  in  the  world.  Through 
their  contiimance  in  the  world  its  conversion  is  promoted.  They 
are  the  light  of  the  world ;  and  men  beholding  their  good  works, 
are  led  to  glorify  the  Father  of  mercies :  Matt.  v.  14-16.  The 
world  is  corrupted,  and  Christians,  through  their  continuance  -  in 
it,  are,  as  the  salt  of  the  earth,  the  means  of  preserving  it  from 
further  corruption:  Matt.  v.  13.  The  doctrines  of  the  gospel 
which  they  spread,  as  salt,  are  penetrating,  quick,  and  powerful : 
Heb.  iv.  12 ;  reach  the  heart :  Acts  ii.  37 ;  are  relishing,  cleans- 
ing, and  preserve  from  putrefaction.  All  other  knowledge  is 
very  insipid  without  them  :  1  Cor.  ii.  14.  The  gospel  is  an  ever- 
lasting gospel,  and  an  everlasting  covenant  is  called  a  covenant 
of  salt :  Numb,  xviii.  19.  Notice,  2d.  For  what  Christ  does  pray. 
He  prays  that  they  might  be  ''kept  from  the  evil;''  and  for  this 
he  has  taught  us  to  pray  :  Matt.  vi.  13.  He  does  not  here  pray, 
that  they  might  be  kept  from  poverty,  affliction,  and  pain,  but 
from  ''the  eviV 

Secondly.  The  present  situation  of  Christians.  Whilst  here 
they  are  mixed  with  ungodly  men,  living  in  the  same  house,  fol- 
lowing the  same  business,  and  exposed  to  the  same  temptations. 
But,  though  they  are  in  the  world,  and  have  to  do  with  it,  they 
are  not  of  it :  John  xv.  19.  Through  grace  they  are  kept  from 
the  evil  one :  1  Pet.  v.  8  ;  from  the  evil  thing ;  and  from  the  evil 
of  an  evil  world :  Gal.  i.  4.  Christ  hath  prayed  for  you.  Away 
with  your  unbelief;  admire  and  adore  that  Saviour  who  prays 
for  you :  1  John  ii.  1.  Fear  not,  while  your  Redeemer  lives  and 
prays. 


42 


OF  SUPPOBT  tJNDER  TROUBLE. 


**God  is  our  refuge  and  strength,  a  very  present  help  in  trouble.^*  —  Ps. 
xlvi.  1. 

"  OD/'  who  is  self-existent,  consequently  independent  of,  and 
VJ  far  superior  to,  every  other  creature,  ^'is  our  refuge  and 
to  Him  we  may  have  recourse.  Here  we  are  taught  to  triumph 
in  God.  Are  we  pursued  by  our  enemies  ?  God  is  our  refuge,'' 
to  whom  we  can  flee,  and  in  whom  we  are  safe :  Prov.  xviii.  10. 
Notwithstanding  our  past  sins,  and  present  unworthiness,  infinite 
wisdom.  Almighty  power,  and  unbounded  goodness,  is  still  our 
refuge.  Our  father,  friend,  and  God.  is  our  refuge ;  our  tower ; 
our  hiding-place ;  and  to  him  we  have  free  access  at  all  times,  and 
under  every  circumstance,  through  His  beloved  Son,  our  elder 
brother :  John  xiv.  6. 

Trouble  you  may,  yea,  will  have,  of  one  kind  or  other;  but 
remember,  God  teaches  some  of  his  best  lessens  in  the  school  of 
affliction ;  and  though  you  cannot  live  without  them,  you  may  live 
above  them.  God  is  our  refuge  ; ''  and  to  whom  should  a  crea- 
ture go  but  to  his  Creator  —  a  child  but  to  his  father  —  a  sinner 
but  to  his  Saviour  —  or  a  dependant  but  to  his  kind  benefactor  ? 
Indeed,  to  remove  all  our  scruples,  it  is  made  a  part  of  our  relig- 
ion to  apply  to  God  as  our  refuge :  Ps.  1.  15.  But  we  ought  to 
go  humbly,  confessing  our  sins :  Jer.  xiv.  7 ;  reforming  our  lives: 
James  iv.  8.  Are  our  enemies  strong,  and  our  troubles  great  ? 
He  is  our  strength/^  to  bear  us  up  under  every  trouble,  and  fit 
us  for  every  burden.  If  we  are  distressed,  he  is  our  help.^^  Not 
a  help  at  a  distance,  but  "  a  present  help?^  A  help  at  hand.  A 
tried  help.  There  never  was,  nor  can  we  desire,  a  better  help. 
Whenever  God  helps,  it  is  always  with  a  dead-lift.  See  Ps.  cxlv. 
18;  Ps.  xviii.  30;  Heb.  xiii.  5.  He  has  been  tried  long  and 
often;  and  was  never  known  to  fail;  and  is  the  same  now  as 
ever ;  so  that  we  have  nothing  to  fear  while  "  God  is  our 
refuge ; ''  nor  anything  to  doubt  while  he  is  our  "  strength  ; ''  but 
have  all  things  to  hope  while  God  is  our  "  help ;  "  and  cause 
for  rejoicing  that  he  is,  not  only  a  present  help,  but  a  ^^very 
present  help  in  troubles.''  Troubles  of  all  kinds,  no  matter  how, 
whence,  or  when  they  come.  ^^The  Lord  will  be  a  refuge  for  the 
oppressed,  a  refuge  in  times  of  trouble  : "  Ps.  ix.  9. 


OB-  STTPI^OET  UNDER  TROTTBLB. 


43 


"My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee.''  — 2  Cor.  xii.  9. 

E  are  not  to  expect  the  pure  enjoyments  of  heaven  while 


VV  on  earth  :  we  should,  therefore,  be  more  careful  to  enu- 
merate what  is  fo7'  than  what  is  against  us.  Our  sorrows  may  be 
many,  but  our  mercies  are  more  ;  and  though,  like  Paul,  we  may 
find  troubles  on  every  side,  the  pit  is  never  so  deep  but  we  may 
look  up  it :  Ps.  xl.  2.  Whatever  might  have  been  the  Apostle's 
affliction,  we  know  it  was  a  peculiar  one.  There  was  given  unto 
him  a  thorn  in  the  flesh,  and  a  messenger  of  Satan  to  buffet  him. 
It  was  such  a  trouble  as  the  goodness  of  God  would  not  suffer 
him  to  remove ;  but  still  the  prayer  of  faith  was  not  in  vain ;  for 
though  the  burden  was  not  removed  from  his  back,  his  back  was 
fitted  to  the  burden ;  and  he  received  this  gracious  answer  :  "  My 
grace  is  sufficient  for  theeJ^  We  may  not  be  suffering  precisely  as 
the  Apostle  was  ;  but  every  Christian  has  his  thorn  in  the  flesh : 
Heb.  xii.  1. 

God  sometimes  answers  prayer  in  wrath :  Numb.  xi.  4,  5,  31- 
33  ;  and  sometimes  denies  in  mercy  :  2  Cor.  xii.  7-9.  Our  afflic- 
tions may  be  considered  in  two  respects  :  1st.  In  their  appoint- 
ment. The  Lord  holds  all  creatures  in  his  hand,  and  can  correct 
and  control  their  agency.  He  is  the  wise  disposer  of  all  events, 
and  orders  all  things  for  the  good  of  all  his  creatures  :  Eom.  viii. 
28.  Never  let  us  stop  at  second  causes  ;  but  mount  in  our  reflec- 
tions to  that  gracious  Being  who  sits  at  the  helm  of  affairs, 
ordering  all  things  after  the  counsel  of  His  own  Avill.  2d.  In 
their  design.  Afflictions  are  as  frequently  designed  to  prevent  our 
falling  into  evil,  as  they  are  to  recover  us  after  we  have  fallen : 
Ps.  cxix.  71.  It  matters  not  what  your  troubles  are  ;  for,  if  it  is 
for  your  good,  God  will  remove  them  ;  and,  if  not,  you  will  find 
the  supporting  grace  of  God  is  sufficient ;  "  and  He  will  lay  no 
more  upon  you,  than  what  He  enables  you  to  bear  :  1  Cor.  x.  13. 
Wherever  the  Lord  gives  gi^ace,  He  is  sure  to  try  grace ;  but  be 
not  discouraged  at  the  cross.  Draw  sweet  consolations  from  all 
your  afflictions  :  2  Cor.  iv.  17.  Troubles  are  never  comfortable, 
but  always  profitable  :  Heb.  xii.  11.  In  all  your  troubles  and 
afflictions,  put  your  hand  of  faith  upon,    My  grace  is  sufficient 


for  thee.' 


44 


OF  SUPPORT  UNDER  TROUBLE. 


"Cast  thy  burden  upon  the  Lord,  and  he  shall  sustain  thee.''  —  Ps.  Iv.  22. 

EACE  reigns  through  the  righteousness  of  Christ ;  and  all 


righteousness.  The  soul,  having  fallen  from  a  state  of  innocency 
in  the  first  Adam,  till  it  has  a  knowledge  of  being  restored  in 
Jesus,  the  second  Adam,  can  never  be  happy ;  but  we  enjoy  the 
knowledge  and  comfort  that  we  are  righteous  before  God  through 
faith  in  Christ :  Eom.  v.  1.  Care  is  a  trouble,  and  trouble  is  a 
burden  which  makes  the  heart  stoop  :  Prov.  xii.  25.  Observe, 

1st.  Our  troubles,  though  we  see  them  coming  from  God,  must 
drive  us  to  God,  and  not  drive  us  from  him.  Cast  thy  burden 
upon  the  Lord;  cast  it  upon  Him  by  faith  and  prayer ;  commit 
thy  way  and  Avorks  to  Him  :  Ps.  xxxvii.  5.  Stay  thyself  on  his 
providence  and  promise;  and  be  easy  in  the  assurance  that  all  is 
working  for  thy  good  :  Ps.  cxxxviii.  7.  Cast  thy  whole  burden 
upon  Him ;  as  thy  troubles  come  one  at  a  time,  take  them  to, 
and  cast  them  upon,  the  Lord.  Enter  into  thy  closet,  lay  all  thy 
troubles  before  Him  ;  and,  on  leaving  thy  closet,  be  sure  to  bring 
not  thy  troubles  away  with  thee  ;  but  leave  them  with  the  Lord  : 
Nahum  i.  7.  Whenever  we  take  our  burden  to  the  Lord,  unless 
we  leave  it  with  Him,  the  burden  becomes  heavier,  and  we  grow 
weaker. 

2d.  The  encouragement  given :  He  shall  sustain  theeJ^  Pre- 
cious assurance  !  He  shall^  not  may,  nor  perhaps,  but  He  shall. 
Do  what  ?  Sustain  thy  burden  ?  Yea,  more  than  that ;  "  He 
shall  sustain  thee^^^  and  thy  burden  into  the  bargain  :  Ps.  xxvii. 
14.  He  has  not  promised  immediately  to  free  thee,  but  sustain 
thee  :  1  Cor.  x.  13.  God  had  one  Son  without  sin;  but  He  never 
had  one  without  suffering  :  Heb.  xii.  6.  "  Cast  thy  burden  now 
upon  the  Lord ;  for  He  will  never  be  more  willing  to  sustain 
thee,  than  he  now  is.  When  the  Lord  uses  corrections.  He  only 
designs  to  convey  instructions.  Never  did  a  tender  nurse  sustain 
an  infant  in  her  arms  with  greater  care,  than  the  Lord  will  sus- 
tain thee  in  the  arms  of  his  power :  Isa.  xlix.  15.  He  will 
strengthen  thy  spirit  by  His  spirit.  Take  the  Lord  at  his  word, 
and  cast  thy  burden  upon  him. 


receive  from  God  is  in  a  way  of 


OF  SUPPOKT  UNDEK  TROUBLE. 


45 


"God  is  faithful,  who  will  not  suffer  you  to  be  tempted  above  that  ye  are 
able ;  but  will  with  the  temptation  also  make  a  way  for  your  escape.^*  —  1  Cor. 


"E  live  in  a  world  of  temptations^  beset  with  snares  on 


VV  every  hand;  in  every  place,  condition^  employment,  rela- 
tion,  and  enjoyment,  our  faith  is  exposed  to  trials :  but  this 
should  in  no  way  discourage  us ;  for  either  our  trials  will  be 
proportioned  to  our  strength,  or  our  strength  to  our  trials.  Great 
comfort  is  to  be  drawn  from  this  precious  passage !  For, 

Is't.  God  is  faithfulJ^  Satan  may  be  a  deceiver ;  but  God  is 
true.  Men  may  be  false,  and  the  world  treacherous ;  but  God,  in 
whom  is  our  strength,  will  never  fail  us :  Ps.  Ixxxix.  33.  Do  not 
look  at  your  own  unfaithfulness,  but  at  God^s  faithfulness.  Bear 
in  mind, 

2d.  He  is  wise  as  well  as  faithful.  He  knows  what  you  can 
bear  better  than  you  do ;  distrust  not  his  grace  and  faithfulness ; 
for  He  "will  not  suffer  you  to  be  tempted  (tried)  above  tJiat  ye  are 
able:^'  Heb.  xi.  17.  Difficulties  in  your  way  should  never  dis- 
courage you,  since  God  will  take  good  care  they  shall  never  be 
too  great  for  you  to  encounter.  Eely  upon  his  faithfulness. 
And, 

3d.  Mark  well  the  issue  :  "  Will  imtli  the  temptation  (or  trial)  malce 
a  way  for  your  escapeJ^  You  may  be  so  surrounded  with  troubles 
and  difficulties  that  there  may  appear  to  be  no  way  left  for  your 
escape ;  but  that  is  no  proof  that  such  is  the  case ;  and,  admitting 
there  is  now  no  way,  God  will  make  a  way  for  your  escape. 
There  is  no  valley  so  deep  and  dark  but  God  can  find  a  icay 
through  it.  You  may  even  be  so  troubled  as  to  become  weary 
of  life:  Job  x.  1;  but  God  will  preserve  your  life,  and  support 
your  strength.  There  can  be  no  affliction  so  grievous,  nor  any 
trouble  so  great,  but  He  can  prevent,  remove,  or  enable  us  to 
bear;  and,  in  the  end,  overrule  to  our  advantage:  Eom.  viii.  28. 
But  unbelief  might  be  ready  to  ask,  how  ?  while  faith  cries  out, 
that  is  Father's  business !  and  all  I  know  about  it,  is,  God  hath 
said  it,  and  will  assupedly  do  it:  Dan.  iii.  17,  18.  A  child  of 
God  is  a  child  of  troubles,  and  should  always  take  his  troubles 
to  God:  Ps.  cvii.  6.  Men  are  fickle;  your  heart  is  deceitful; 
but  "  God  is  faithfuV 


x.  13. 


46 


OF  DELIVERANCE  FROM  TROUBLE. 


Call  upon  me  in  the  day  of  trouble :  I  will  deliver  thee,  and  thou  shalt 
glorify  me,''  — Vs.  I  15. 

HUMAN  nature  is  constantly  hatching  its  fears  and  unbelief, 
in  anxious  questions  concerning  to-morrow;  or  some 
threatening  trouble;  but  Christ  says,  "Let  not  your  heart  be 
troubled/^  A  good  word  maketh  the  heart  glad:  Pro  v.  xii.  25. 
Poor,  troubled  Christian,  here  is  a  good  word  for  thee. 

1st.  ''Call  upon  me/''  be  sure  you  mind  that  precious  invita- 
tion ;  for  our  troubles  must  never  keep  us  from  God ;  but  lead  or 
drive  us  to  him.  Call  upon  whom  you  will  beside,  let  nothing 
prevent  your  calling  upon  God.  Be  not  afraid  of  calling  at  an 
unseasonable  hour;  for  you  will  always  find  him  at  home,  seated 
upon  a  throne  of  grace,  in  constant  readiness  to  attend  upon  all 
*  calls  that  are  made  upon  him :  Ps.  xxxiv.  15. 

2d.  Observe  the  time  when  you  are  invited,  yea,  commanded, 
to  call  upon  him;  "In  the  day  of  trouble.^^  Troubled  soul,  do 
mind  the  time !  While  in  health,  ease,  affluence,  and  honor,  you 
may  scarcely  be  able  to  walk  though  a  street  without  meeting 
with  the  invitation,  "call  upon  me;''  but  under  a  reverse  of 
circumstances,  "in  the  day  of  trouble,"  it  may  happen  that  you 
may  not  only  wear  out  your  shoes,  but  also  your  feet,  without 
meeting  an  earthly  friend  who  would  sympathize  with  you  and 
say,  "call  upon  me."  But  the  Lord  urges  upon  you  to  call  upon 
Him ;  even  when  every  other  friend  may  have  forsaken  you,  and 
every  other  refuge  have  failed  you:  Ps.  xxxiv.  17.  Call  upon 
him  in  the  full  expectation  of  not  calling  in  vain.  For, 

3d.  The  promise  is,  "  I  will  deliver  tJiee.^^  He  will  not  put  you 
off  with,  "Can't  you  call  again."  No,  but  will,  positively, 
"deliver  thee."  This  is  a  cheap  way  of  obtaining  deliverance: 
Isa.  Iv.  1;  nevertheless,  it  is  a  sure  way:  Matt.  xi.  .28.  Others, 
on  whom  you  may  call,  may  tell  you  how  sorry  they  are  for  you ; 
but  the  "Lord  will  deliver  you."    And  now, 

4th.  Notice  all  He  expects  from  you  in  return ;  "  Thou  shalt 
glorify  me."  This  you  must  do,  not  only  by  telling  of  his 
goodness,  but,  by  living  to  his  glory.  He  has  always  delivered 
all  who  called  upon  him,  and  will  deliver  thee  :  Jer.  xxix.  11. 


OF  DELIVERANCE  FROM  TROUBLE. 


47 


"  The  Lord  knoweth  how  to  deliver  the  godly  out  of  temptations.''  —  2  Peter 
ii.  9. 

THIS  is  a  living  comfort  in  the  saddest  seasons ;  the  Lord 
knows  both  our  sorrows  and  the  cause  of  them.  He  fol- 
lows us,  though  we  have  cared  so  little  for  him  ;  and  comforts 
us,  though  we  have  grieved  him.  It  is  the  duty  of  all  who  live 
godly  to  look  out  and  prepare  for  temptations,  (or  troubles) 
seeing  they  are  a  part  of  their  legacy :  John  xvi.  33 ;  and  the 
way  to  heaven  lies  through  them:  Hev.  vii.  14.  The  Lord  knows 
the  godly  wherever  they  may  be,  and  though  there  may  be  but 
one  in  five  cities,  that  one  shall  not  be  forgotten :  2  Pet.  ii.  6,  7. 
Observe, 

1st.  The  character  given  of  those  who  look  for  deliverance, 
''the  godly. '^^  A  godly  man,  having  obtained  grace  from  God, 
makes  it  his  business  to  glorify  Him ;  by  worshipping,  and  imi- 
tating him:  Ps.  xii.  1;  Titus  ii.  12.  Only  be  careful  to  serve 
God,  and  never  doubt  of  his  serving  you.  The  people  of  God 
are  frequently  so  hedged  about  with  troubles,  that  they  can  see 
no  prospect  of  deliverance.  But, 

2d.  "  The  Lord  knoweth  Jiow  to  deliver  even  when  short- 
sighted man  can  see  no  way.  He  sees  many  ways :  Isa.  Iv.  8,  9. 
Infinite  wisdom  can  never  be  at  a  loss  for  a  way  to  deliver  the 
godly.  But  remember  it  is  God's  work  to  ''deliver  the  godly 
and  he  knoweth  how.  Can  you,  then,  for  a  moment  doubt  of  his 
willingness  ?  Name  a  single  instance,  if  you  can,  in  which  he 
either  wanted  the  will  or  the  way.  Throughout  the  whole  course 
of  your  life,  do  you  ever  recollect  having  one  trouble  from  which 
he  did  not  deliver  you  ?  Not  one.  Then  why  doubt  now  ?  Is 
the  arm  of  the  Lord  shortened  that  he  cannot  save  ?  or  his  ear 
heavy  that  he  cannot  hear  ?  Isa.  lix.  1.  Mercy's  fountain  is  not 
dried  up,  though  the  God  of  mercy  may  appear  to  be  silent :  Matt. 
XV.  23.  Every  other  port  may  be  closed  against  you ;  but  the 
port  of  heaven  is  always  open ;  and  you  may  venture  to  run  in 
there  with  your  half-wrecked  bark ;  and  lie  in  perfect  safety : 
J ob  viii.  20,  21.  Pear  not  while  you  have  breath  to  pray ;  for 
the  Lord  knoweth  how  to  deliver  you.  The  Lord  may  chide 
bitterly,  and  strike  heavily,  while  >^  loves  you  dearly  :  Heb.  xii.  6. 


48 


OF  DELIVERANCE  FROM  TROUBLE. 


''Can  a  woman  forget  her  sucking  child,  that  she  should  not  have  compas- 
sion on  the  son  of  her  womb  ?  yea,  they  may  forget,  yet  will  I  not  forget  thee.^^ 
—  Isa.  xlix.  15. 

CHRISTIAIST,  is  tliy  heart  pained  within  thee  on  account  of 
its  own  wickedness  ?  That  is  a  godly  sorrow  which  the 
wicked  are  strangers  to ;  but  is  one  of  the  greatest  afflictions 
of  the  righteous.  The  troubles  of  the  believer  in  Christ  are 
frequently  like  poor  Job's  messengers^  one  treading  u})on  the 
heels  of  another.  This  may  be  now  thy  case ;  and  thou  may  est 
be  tempted  to  believe  the  Lord  hath  forgotten  thee.  Away  with 
your  fears ;  and  behold  the  tender  regard  that  God  has  for  his 
people !  He  seems  to  consider  his  glory  reflected  upon,  if,  in 
their  trouble,  they  should  only  think  that  he  has  forgotten  them. 
Do  but  hear  him !  "  Can  a  wo7nan,^^  one  of  the  tender  sex,  a 
mother,  '^forget  her  sucking  child  V  Look  at  that  smiling  babe, 
hanging  at  the  breast  of  its  tender  mother !  See  how  she  loves 
it !  how  delighted  with  it !  it  is  part  of  herself ;  she  loves  it,  she 
suffered  for  it.  Can  she  forget  it  ?  Will  she  lend  a  deaf  ear  to 
its  infant  cries,  and  refuse  to  administer  to  its  wants  ?  Is  it  pos- 
sible ?  Yea,  it  is  possible.  A  woman  may  be  so  heavily  afflicted 
as  to  forget  her  sucking  child.''  There  have  been  such  monsters 
in  the  shape  of  women,  as  to  have  no  compassion  on  their  little 
offspring.  Therefore,  the  Father  of  mercies  says,  ^'  yea^  they  may 
forgetP  But  to  remove  all  the  surmises  of  human  nature,  imme- 
diately adds,  ''yet  loill  I  not  forget  thee.^'  A  woman  may  forget 
that  she  is  a  mother,  yet  God  will  never  forget  that  he  is  a 
Father:  2  Cor.  vi.  18.  So  that,  while  you  are  in  trouble,  you 
may  expect  God  will  support  you  under,  and,  when  he  sees  it  will 
be  for  your  good,  deliver  you  from  it :  Ps.  Ixxi.  20. 

Be  not  over  anxious  to  get  rid  of  your  present  trouble :  for  a 
deliverance  from  one  trouble  only  makes  room  for  another :  Matt, 
vi.  34.  A  man  carried  by  the  grace  of  God  will  ride  easily  over 
a  rough  road.  Afflictions,  like  medicines,  are  few  of  them  sweet, 
but  all  of  them  good:  Ps.  cxix.  71.  In  time  of  peace  we  are  apt 
to  let  our  armor  go  rusty ;  but  in  war  we  keep  it  bright.  Is  the 
tender  infant  part  of  its  mother  ?  It  is  —  and  so  are  we  members 
of  Christ's  body :  Eph.  v.  30. 


OF  DELIVERANCE  FROM  TliOUBLE. 


49 


"In  all  these  things  we  are  more  than  conquerors,  through  him  that  hath 
loved  us.''  — Rom.  viii.  37. 

TTTILL  you^  poor  forlorn  soul,  say,  My  Lord  hath  forsaken  me; 


V  V  and  I  shall  sink  in  my  trouble  ?  True,  thou  mayest 
deserve  it;  but  the  Lord  deals  not  with  thee  after  that  sort; 
though  thou  art  a  sinner,  a  backsliding  sinner,  a  hell-deserring 
sinner,  the  very  chief  of  sinners,  Christ  Jesus  came  into  the 
world  to  save  sinners:  1  Tim.  i.  15.  And  still,  his  name  is  Jesus. 
And,  "m  all  these  tliings,^^ — What  things  ?  Tribulation,  distress, 
persecution,  famine,  nakedness,  peril,  sword;  in  all  these  things 
''ive  are  more  than  conquerors ;  for  though  troubled,  yea,  killed, 
we  are  sure  of  victory.  This  may  appear  a  strange  way ;  but  it 
is  God's  way :  Ps.  cxlv.  14 ;  and  must  therefore  be  a  good  way. 
We  conquer,  though  we  die ;  yea,  we  rnore  than  conquer ;  for  we 
triumph.  Our  Captain  brings  all  his  men  out  of  the  field,  Avith- 
out  losing  anything  that  is  valuable :  2  Cor.  iv.  17,  18.  Gold'  is 
refined  in  the  furnace  of  fire ;  the  Christian,  in  the  furnace  of 
affliction:  1  Pet.  i.  7.  Many  have  conquered  in  the  flames,  in  the 
dungeon,  on  the  rack,  and  under  the  axe.  Surely  then,  you  have 
no  cause  to  fear :  Isa.  li.  22,  23.  If  victory  over  your  sufferings 
depended  upon  yourself,  you  would  have  too  much  cause  to  fear ; 
but  that  is  not  the  case ;  for  we  are  assured,  we  are  conquerors 
only  "  through  him  who  hath  loved  us.^^  Mark  that !  It  is  in  the 
strength  of  Christ,  and  through  Christ,  that  we  are  more  than 
a  match  for  all  that  troubles  and  opposes  us ;  he  having  overcome 
for  us :  John  xvi.  33.  We  cannot  live  without  suffering,  but  it  is 
our  privilege  to  live  above  it ;  ^Hhrough  him  who  hath  loved  us." 
Never  measure  your  troubles  by  the  pain  they  cause,  but  by  the 
end  they  accomplish  :  Heb.  xii.  11. 

Reason  not  with  unbelief ;  give  credence  to  the  word  of  your 
Saviour ;  he  has  been  with  you  in  past  troubles ;  and  has  engaged 
not  to  leare  you  in  this:  Ps.  xlii.  11.  Deliverance  will  assuredly 
come  when  needful :  John  vi.  19.  The  word  of  the  Lord  abidetli 
forever ;  His  covenant  is  sure :  His  love  is  unchangeable ;  and 
His  promises  are  immutable.  Draw  nigh  unto  him  in  the  full 
assurance  of  faith ;  and  your  night  of  trouble  will  be  turned  into 
joyous  day :  Ps.  xxx.  5. 


50 


OF  DELIVERANCE  FROM  SICKNESS. 


Surely  he  shall  deliver  thee  from  the  snare  of  the  fowler,  and  from  the 

noisome  pestilence^  —  Ps.  xci.  3. 

CHEISTIAN,  never  forget  that  your  carnal  reason  is  a  home- 
bred foe,  a  domestic  enemy,  that  constantly  opposes  the 
truths  of  your  God,  with,  How  can  these  things  be  ?  and  disputes 
your  Lord's  command,  with.  Hath  the  Lord  required  this  ?  and 
wants  them  all  explained  according  to  the  rules  of  carnal  concep- 
tion. Often  has  this  foe  caused  your  hands  to  hang  down  when 
they  ought  to  have  been  lifted  up  in  prayer :  1  Tim.  ii.  8.  Dis- 
card it;  treat  it  as  an  enemy  to  your  soul's  comfort,  and  your 
Lord's  glory.    The  antidote  is  faith  in  the  Redeemer. 

A  believer  in  Christ  is  always  safe ;  because  he  is  kept  by 
Christ :  John  xvii.  12.  Many  are  the  snares  which  are  laid  for 
you,  and  into  which  you  would  unwarily  fall,  and  which  would 
prove  fatal  to  you,  but  for  your  kind  deliverer.  Dangers  are 
often  nearest  to  us  when  we  are  the  least  apprehensive  of  them ; 
and,  like  the  poor  bird,  we  are  ignorant  of  the  "snare  of  the 
fowler?^  And  it  is  all  owing  to  a  kind,  a  gracious,  and  a  watch- 
ful Providence,  that  our  natural  life  has  been  spared :  Job  xxxiii. 
24-26.  Our  spiritual  life  also  has  been  preserved  by  divine  grace ; 
in  the  hour  of  temptation  we  have  been  "delivered  from  the 
snare  of  the  fowler :  "  Col.  iii.  3.  Why  should  you  be  alarmed, 
on  account  of  prevailing  sickness  ?  you  have  hitherto  been  kept 
"from  tJie  noisome  ijestilence,^^  which  has  carried  off  so  many 
thousands,  yea,  millions,  of  our  fellow-mortals,  in  different  parts 
of  the  earth;  and  the  promise  shall  hold  good;  " Surely  he  sliall 
deliver  tliee : "  Jer.  xxxiii.  6.  Our  souls  too  have  been  delivered 
"  from  the  noisome  pestilence,"  sin :  Ps.  ciii.  3.  Death  may  ride 
in  triumph,  and  disease  rage  all  around ;  yet,  "  surely  he  shall 
deliver  tlieeJ^  Every  arrow  that  Death  hurls  has  its  commission ; 
the  Egyptians  may  have  death  in  every  house,  and  the  Assyrian 
army  be  all  cut  off  in  one  night ;  still,  Israel  is  safe :  Ps.  Ixviii. 
20.  God  often  afflicts  our  bodies,  that  we  might  the  better  know 
what  is  in  our  hearts.  Hard  weather  will  try  our  health,  but 
sickness  tries  our  grace :  1  Pet.  i.  6,  7.  Wait  on  the  Lord,  be  of 
good  courage,  and  he  shall  strengthen  thy  heart ;  wait^  I  say,  on 
the  Lord  :  Ps,  xxvii.  14. 


OF  DELIVERANCE  FROM  SICKNESS. 


51 


"  The  prayer  of  faith  shall  save  the  sick,  and  the  Lord  shall  raise  him  up.'' 
—  James  v.  15. 

THIS,  poor  afflicted  soul,  is  thy  happiness  below,  thy  heaven 
upon  earth,  to  have  access  to  the  Father  of  consolation  in 
all  thy  afflictions.  When  God,  and  Christ,  and  heaven  are  within, 
it  matters  but  little  what  is  without.  Here  we  have  the  duty 
of  an  afflicted  child  sweetly  connected  with  the  Father's  gracious 
assurance.  Observe, 

1st.  It  is  not  a  faint,  cold,  formal,  and  indifferent  prayer,  that 
is  here  spoken  of:  but  ^^the  prayer  of  faith  not  only  on  the 
part  of  the  person  praying,  but  also  on  the  part  of  those  prayed 
for.  Faithful  prayer  is  powerful  and  prevailing  prayer:  Exod. 
xxxii.  9-14.  The  prayer  of  faith  shall  save  the  sick;^^  that  is, 
if  God  sees  it  will  be  for  the  good  of  the  sick,  and  he  has  any 
thing  farther  for  them  to  do  in  this  world ;  and  if  not,  faith  and 
prayer  will  not  prevail ;  neither  would  a  humble  believer  desire 
that  it  should  be  otherwise,  than  just  as  Father  would  have  it : 
Job  xiii.  15.  Sin  is  the  cause  of  sickness ;  we  ought,  therefore, 
to  pray  for  the  removal  of  sin,  rather  than  for  the  removal  of 
our  own  or  others'  sickness  :  Ps.  xli.  4. 

2d.  See  also  the  success  that  attends  the  faithful  prayer; 
"  The  Lord  shall  raise  him  uj:).^^  So  that,  you  perceive,  it  is  the 
Lord's  work  to  raise  up  as  well  as  to  pull  down :  Ps.  cvii.  25. 
And  well  it  is  for  us,  that  it  is  the  Lord's  work ;  for  He  is  infinite 
in  wisdom;  and  can,  therefor^,  make  no  mistake;  and  His  love  is 
boundless,  consequently  he  cannot  be  unkind :  Eom.  viii.  32.  He 
will  never  permit  sickness  to  come  upon  any  of  his  children,  till 
He  sees  it  needful  for  them.  Are  you  sick  ?  If  so.  Father  knows 
it ;  and  is  watching  over  you ;  He  knows  how  long  you  have 
been  sick ;  and  how  much  you  can  bear ;  and  will  "  raise  you  up," 
when  he  sees  you  have  been  sick  long  enough.  Let  the  Lord's 
will  be  your  will ;  and  judge  not  of  His  love  to  you  by  your  love 
to  him.  Sickness  should  never  trouble  you ;  but  should  always 
humble  you  :  Lam.  iii.  19,  20.  You  are  not  sick  by  chance :  Job 
V.  6.  You  may  be  tempted  sorely,  and  have  darkness  over  your 
soul,  owing  to  your  bodily  afflictions ;  and  this  will  grieve  you 
worst  of  all ;  but  remember,  Father  knows  you  are  but  dust. 


62 


OF  SUPPORT  UNDER  SICKNESS. 


"  The  Lord  will  strengthen  him  upon  the  bed  of  languishing  :  thou  wilt 
make  all  his  bed  in  his  sickness.*'  —  Ps.  xli.  3. 

IN  this  one  verse  is  a  plurality  of  comforts  for  a  believer  on  a 
bed  of  sickness ;  or  with  it  in  prospect ;  they  are  to  be  en- 
joyed by  faithj  by  every  believing  soul ;  let  us  now  look  at  them. 
Let  the  poor  afflicted  Christian  consider, 

1st.  ^'  The  Lord  loill  strengthen  him,^^  both  in  body  and  mind ; 
and  should  he  be  too  weak  to  sit  up,  being  worn  down  by  sick- 
ness, no  matter :  the  Lord  can,  and  will,  do  it  "  upon  the  bed  of 
languisliing ;  though  he  may  have  long  lain;  and  become  wasted 
by  sickness  ;  or  reduced  by  racking  pains ;  God  will  assuredly 
enable  him  to  bear  up  cheerfully  under  his  afflictions,  and  pa- 
tiently wait  the  issue  :  Ps.  Ixxiii.  26. 

2d.  The  Lord  will  be  his  nurse.  He  will  not  only  be  con- 
stantly with  him  in  his  sick-chamber,  but  will  "  moke  all  his  bed 
in  his  sickness :  He  will  "  make  all  his  bed  ;  will  shake  it  up, 
turn  it  over,  and,  from  head  to  foot,  make  it  very  easy  :  even  as 
a  bed  of  health.  0  how  soft  must  that  bed  be,  made  by  so  good 
a  hand !  So  accustomed  is  He  to  making  beds  for  his  children, 
that,  even  a  bed  of  straAv,  He  makes  to  lie  soft  as  down :  Ps. 
cxvi.  6.  The  Lord  has  nowhere  promised,  that  you  shall  never 
be  sick ;  or  that  you  shall  never  be  confined  to  a  bed  of  languish- 
ing ;  but  he  has  promised  to  strengthen  you  in  the  one,  and  sup- 
port you  on  the  other.  So  that  you  need  not  fear  being  left  to 
your  own  helplessness ;  since  He  has  engaged  to  attend  you  him- 
self, in  the  capacity  of  Physician  and  Nurse.  Bear  in  mind, 
affacted  Christian,  that  Avhile  your  heavenly  Pather  afflicts  you 
with  one  hand,  he  supports  you  with  the  other.  When  pain  pre- 
vails over  your  weak  frame,  you  may  be  tempted  to  think  your- 
self forgotten  ;  that  your  religion  is  vain,  and  that  you  have  been 
deceiving  yourself ;  but  your  afflictions  prove  that  you  are  an 
object  both  of  Satan's  enmity  and  the  Lord's  fatherly  discipline : 
Heb.  xii.  6,  7. 

A  stubborn  and  rebellious  mind  in  a  Christian,  must  be  brought 
low;  and  if  naked  blessings  do  not  humble  us,  they  are  sent 
disguised  in  afflictions.  You  are  now  called  to  be  a  hero,  not  in 
action,  but  in  suffering ;  you  are  in  God's  school  under  education ; 
where  you  are  being  instructed  by  chastisement.  Bear  it  patiently. 


OF  SUPPORT  UNDER  SICKNESS. 


53 


"  The  trial  of  your  faith,  being  much  more  precious  than  that  of  gold  thai 
perisheth,  though  it  be  tried  with  fire.''  —  1  Pet.  i.  7. 

n\  yf" ANY  things  may  rob  a  Christian  of  his  happy  f rame^  yet 


ness  ;  for  it  is  founded  in  the  unchangeable  love  and  truth  of 
God.  Here  is  a  stream  flowing  to  the  citizens  of  heaven  from 
the  shoreless  ocean  of  God's  love:  Ps.  xlvi.  1-5.  Observe, 

1st.  God's  design  is,  not  to  destroy  you,  but  to  refine  you,  and 
has  afflicted  you,  for  ''the  trial  of  your faitli.'^^  Faith  that  is  not 
tried  is  hardly  worth  calling  faitli.^^  The  fire  tries  gold  ;  afflic- 
tions try  faith.  By  the  trial  of  your  faith  your  Christianity  ig 
tried  ;  and  without  faith  all  your  pretensions  to  religion  are  vain  ; 
Heb.  xi.  6.  There  is  a  mock-faith,  which,  with  some,  passes  for 
real  faith ;  but,  when  tried,  is  always  found  to  be  good  for  noth- 
ing ;  and  will  not  stand  the  fire.  But  yours  is  "  precious  faith  : '' 
2  Pet.  i.  1.  A  grain  of  faith  is  worth  a  ton  of  gold.  Yea,  it  ig 
''much  more  precious  than  gold;^^  for  this  plain  reason,  "gold 
perisheth  ; ''  but  faith  never  will  perish.  Gold,  "  though  it  he 
tried  in  the  fire^^^  does  not  increase  in  the  fire  ;  and  faith  does  : 
James  i.  3.  It  is  not  all  gold  that  looks  like  gold ;  neither  is 
that  all  faith  which  looks  like  faith ;  the  fire  will  prove  them 
both.  When  the  formalist  is  told  that  he  must  be  tried,  he  cries 
out,  "  This  is  a  hard  saying ;  who  can  hear  it  ?  John  vi.  60. 
But  when  the  believer  is  in  the  furnace  he  confidently  says, 
When  He  hath  tried  me,  I  shall  come  forth  as  gold  :  Job  xxiii.  10. 

The  Lord,  in  afflicting  you,  designs  your  good ;  not  your  ruin. 
The  most  valuable,  pure,  useful,  and  durable  of  all  metals,  is 
tried-gold ;  so  is  tried-faith  among  all  the  Christian  virtues.  The 
trial  of  both,  gold  and  faith,  is  intended  to  separate  the  dross 
from  that  which  is  valuable.  Gold  rather  diminishes  in  the  trial ; 
but  faith  is  improved,  established  and  multiplied,  by  its  opposi- 
tions and  afflictions.  The  best  of  gold  must  perish  at  last :  Luke 
xxii.  32.  The  enemy  of  your  soul  may  be  permitted  to  go  the 
full  length  of  his  chain,  and  greatly  annoy  you  during  your  sick- 
ness ;  but  he  can  go  no  farther ;  and  a  faithful  God  will  never 
suffer  you  to  be  tempted  beyond  what  you  are  able  to  bear,  for 
"the  trial  of  your  faith  is  precious,^^ 


foundation  of  his  happi- 


54 


OF  SUPPORT  IN  OLD  AGE. 


"And  even  to  your  old  age  I  am  he ;  and  even  to  hoar  hairs  will  I  carry 
you :  I  have  made  and  I  will  bear,  even  I  will  carry,  and  will  deliver  you.''  — 
Isa.  xlvi.  4. 


J-  but,  perhaps  too,  at  thy  wits'  end  ?  Do  men  insult  and 
Satan  triumph  over  thee,  till  thou  art  almost  drunk  with  trouble 
and  intoxicated  with  affliction?  Are  they  accusing  thee  with 
being  a  hypocrite ;  asking,  now,  where  is  thy  religion ;  and  call- 
ing upon  thee  to  bow  down  that  they  may  go  over  thee  ?  Do 
they  impudently  ask  thee,  "  Where  is  thy  God  ?  ''  and  perplex 
thee  till  thou  art  almost  ready  to  ask  thyself  the  same  question  ? 
Ps.  xlii.  3.  Here  you  have  an  answer  to  all  such  questions,  from 
your  God  himself.  "  I  am  He.''  I  formed  you ;  gave  your 
being ;  sustained  you  while  a  helpless  infant  at  the  breast ;  I 
marked  your  infant  path  with  mercy ;  regarded  you,  and  brought 
you  safeiy  through  the  slippery  path  of  youth ;  conducted  you 
in  safety  to  manhood ;  led  you  on  to  maturity  ;  "  And  even  to 
your  old  age  I  am  lie^  Though  your  strength  might  decay,  my 
love  shall  not  diminish :  Jer.  xxxi.  3.  Infirmities  may  load  your 
body,  but  my  grace  is  sufficient :  2  Cor.  xii.  9.  I  not  only  made 
3^ou,  but  have  redeemed  you ;  therefore  "  /  loill  hear "  you ;  yea, 
and  more  than  that,  when  you  cannot  walk  for  old  age  and  in- 
firmity, I  will  carry  you :  "  Isa.  xli.  14.  Are  you  unfit  for  busi- 
ness ?  let  that  give  you  no  concern ;  even  to  hoar  hairs,^^ 
your  bread  shall  still  be  given  you :  Isa.  xxxiii.  16.  Are  your 
friends  grown  weary  of  supporting  you  ?  still  trust  in  me ;  my 
friendship  shall  never  grow  cold :  Heb.  xiii.  5.  Are  you  desiring 
that  some  friend  would  come  and  ^'deliver  you  V  ''J  am  he,^^ 
who  has  brought  you  thus  far  on  your  journey  through  life ;  and 
I  am  not  going  to  leave  you  now  you  need  my  help  most.  You 
change  often,  but  /  change  never :  Heb.  i.  10-12.  Let  not  your 
heart  be  troubled;  from  all  your  griefs  and  infirmities,  I  will 
deliver  youJ^  0,  how  does  his  grace  shine  in  this  gracious  speech  ! 
Canst  thou  help  loving  and  adoring  so  gracious  a  master  ?  He 
never  turns  his  servants  off,  to  shift  for  themselves  in  old  age : 
no ;  for  when  they  are  unable  either  to  work  or  walk,  he  will 
keep  them,  if  it  be  only  to  look  at.  Be  assured  of  it,  he  will 
take  good  care  of  you. 


almost  at  thy  journey's  end. 


OF  SUPPORT  IN  OLD  AGE. 


55 


"And  lo,  I  am  with  you  always,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world.  Amen/*  — 
Matt,  xxviii.  20. 

ALL  the  promises  of  God^  as  well  as  the  threatenings,  were 
made  to  characters;  hence^  we  must  always  know  that  we 
sustain  the  character  before  we  lay  our  claim  to  the  promise. 
This  precious  promise  (or  declaration)  was  made  to  the  Apostles ; 
and,  as  such,  belongs  to  them  exclusively ;  but  being  made  to 
them  as  ministers  of  the  gospel,  may  be  claimed  by  all  who  truly 
sustain  that  character ;  and  being  given  to  them  as  disciples  oi 
Christians,  all  the  faithful  followers  of  Christ  have  an  equal 
claim  to  it.    Let  us  then,  aged  soldier  of  the  cross,  consider. 

First,  the  great  privilege  possessed  by  all  real  believers  in 
Jesus.  "  I  am  loith  you  alwaysJ^  They  have  not  only  his  gen- 
eral presence,  which  all  have,  but  his  special  presence.  1st.  His 
guiding  presence.  He  guides  his  people,  as  he  did  Israel  of  old, 
through  this  world,  which  would  be  a  dreary  wilderness  without 
his  presence  :  Deut.  viii.  2.  He  guides  us  by  his  providence  and 
grace :  John  iii.  35  ;  his  word  and  spirit :  Isa.  xlii.  16.  And,  2d. 
His  protectiyig  presence  is  with  them  ;  so  that  you  shall  not  only 
be  guided  in  the  right  way,  but  be  preserved  from  those  enemies 
and  snares  which  beset  you :  Ps.  xlvi.  1.  Rest  assured  nothing 
can  harm  you  while  Christ  is  Avith  you :  1  Pet.  iii.  13.  You  may 
be  bending  under  the  weight  of  many  years ;  and  worn  down  with 
cares ;  but  let  none  of  those  things  trouble  you.  For,  3d.  His 
sustaining  presence  is  with  you.  He  is  your  gracious  Saviour, 
and  has  engaged  to  richly  supply  all  your  needs  ;  all  you  have  to 
do,  is  to  place  your  whole  dependence  upon  him,  and  ask,  in  his 
name,  the  things  yoa  need  :  John  xiv.  13,  14.  And,  4th.  You 
have  his  abiding  presence.  He  is  with  3^ou  always,  even  to  the 
end  of  the  worldy  So  that  you  will  have  his  company  and  aid  to 
the  end  of  your  journey  :  Ps.  Ixxiii.  24.  And  hence  we  may 
learn, 

Secondly,  The  happiness  of  believers.  1st.  The  presence  of 
Christ  gives  rest  in  this  life  :  Matt.  xi.  28,  29  ;  and  peace  that  the 
world  knows  nothing  of :  John  xvi.  33.  2d.  His  presence  gives 
victory  over  sin,  death,  and  the  grave :  1  Cor.  xv.  55-57.  And, 
3d.  His  presence  gives  happiness  in  the  world  to  come :  Ps.  xvi. 


66 


OF  SUPPORT  IN  CHILD-BEARING. 


"He  will  love  thee,  and  bless  thee,  and  multiply  thee ;  he  will  also  bless  the 
fruit  of  thy  womb."  —  Deut.  vii.  13. 

PERMIT  me,  dear  sister,  to  remind  thee  of  that  near  relation 
in  which  the  God  of  all  comfort  stands  to  thee.  For  thy 
Maker  is  thy  husband:  the  Lord  of  hosts  is  his  name:  Isa.  liv. 
6.  And  what  more  can  you  desire  to  complete  your  happiness 
than  what  he  has  promised  ? 

1st.  He  will  love  tliee.^^  The  Lord  has  loved  thee,  and  given 
unnumbered  proofs  of  his  love ;  and  having  fallen  in  love 

with  thee,  "will  love  thee:^^  1  John  iv.  9,  10.  "He  will  love  thee,^^ 
notwithstanding  thou  art  so  very  homely  in  thy  own  eyes  ;  for  he 
looks  upon  thee  as  a  perfect  beauty,  through  his  comeliness 
which  he  has  put  upon  thee  :  Ezek.  xvi.  6-14.  2d.  Thou  shalt 
have  further  proof  of  his  love,  too,  than  mere  words  ;  for  "  He 
will  bless  thee,^^  yea,  and  thou  shalt  be  blessed.  Do  not  talk  about 
ill-requited  love  now ;  you  have  only  to  do  better  for  the  time  to 
come,  and  evince  your  love  to  him  by  keeping  his  commandments  ; 
and  the  desire  of  your  heart  shall  be  granted:  Ps.  xxxvii.  4. 
For,  3d.  "He  ivill  multiply  tJiee;^^  and,  if  he  sees  it  will  be  for 
thy  good,  he  will  never  suffer  thee  to  have  an  estate  without  an 
heir,  nor  an  heir  without  an  estate.  Let  not  your  present  trying 
situation  cause  you  any  uneasiness,  but  rest  assured  that  he  who 
formed  thee  knows  well  how  to  form  thine.  You  know  he  has 
loved  you;  and,  in  numberless  instances,  blessed  you,  and  inter- 
posed in  your  behalf ;  and  you  have  a  good  right  to  expect  that 
he  will  bless  yours;  for  he  says  he  will;  and  surely  his  word  is 
sufficient  to  remove  all  your  scruples,  and  dispel  your  fears  : 
Matt.  xxiv.  35.  4th.  He  has  blessed  the  tree,  and  says  "  He  will 
bless  the  fruit;  "  so  that  he  has  put  the  matter  beyond  dispute. 
He  is  acquainted  with  every  ache  and  pain  you  feel ;  and  when 
the  time  of  your  extremity  arrives,  "He  will  love  thee^  and  bless 
thee,  and  multiply  thee;  he  will  also  bless  the  fruit ;^^  and  take  the 
best  of  care  of  the  tree.  Your  feelings  you  cannot  avoid ;  they 
are  peculiar  to  your  present  situation  ;  but  it  is  your  privilege  to 
live  above  them,  though  you  cannot  live  without  them.  While 
it  is  your  duty  quietly  to  submit  to  your  trial,  let  your  fears  be 
given  to  the  winds :  Isa.  xli.  10.  He  will  bless  both  thee  and 
thine. 


OF   SUPPORT  IN  CHILD-BEAEING. 


67 


*'  Noiwiihstanding,  she  shall  be  saved  in  child-bearing,  if  they  continue  in 
faith,  and  charity,  and  holiness,  with  sobriety."  —  1  Tim.  ii.  15. 

"VTTHEN"  in  the  midst  of  fears,  in  the  sight  of  dangers,  and  in 


^  ^  the  dread  of  destruction,  it  is  our  business  to  cease  from 
self-confidence,  attend  to  the  voice  of  God,  rely  upon  his  promises, 
hope  in  his  mercy,  and  quietly  wait  for  his  great  deliverance : 
Lam.  iii.  26.  Stand  still,  sister,  admire,  adore,  love,  and  confide 
in  a  gracious,  wonder-working,  sinner-saving  Lord.  For,  '^not- 
withstanding "  the  woman  was  first  deceived  by  the  tempter,  and 
was  the  first  to  bring  sin  into  our  world,  she  also  brought  forth 
the  Saviour;  and she  shall  be  saved  in  child-bearing.'^  "Not- 
withstanding "  the  sentence  she  is  under.  Gen.  iii.  16,  there  can 
be  no  bar  in  the  way  of  her  acceptance  with  Christ.  The  head 
of  the  serpent  has  been  bruised  by  the  seed  of  woman ;  and 
"  she  shall  be  savedJ^  Let  your  principal  care  be  to  "  continue  in 
faith,^^  which  is  a  saving  grace :  Eph.  ii.  8 ;  purifies  the  heart : 
Acts  XV.  9;  worketh  by  love,  or  charity :  Gal.  v.  6;  ''and  holi- 
nessj^  which  is  the  opposite  of  all  sin,  and  is  inseparably  con- 
nected with  happiness :  Heb.  xii.  14 ;  "  with  sobriety,''^  prudence, 
gravity,  humility,  and  temperance :  Titus  ii.  12. 

While  brooding  over  your  present  difficulties,  and  gloomy  pros- 
pect, you  may  be  ready  to  say,  "  Many  truly  pious  women  in  my 
situation  have  died,  while  others,  notorious  for  impiety,  have 
been  brought  through  their  trouble."  That  certainly  has  been 
the  case ;  but  it  is  no  proof  of  its  being  so  with  you  :  Ps.  1.  15. 
''Continue  in  faith  live  to  God;  rely  upon  his  gracious  promises; 
and  though  the  difficulties  and  dangers  of  child-bearing  are  many 
and  great,  being  a  part  of  the  punishment  inflicted  on  your  sex, 
for  Eve's  transgression,  "Notwithstanding.,  she  shall  be  saved  in 
child-bearing.^'  Though  in  sorrow,  she  shall  be  made  a  mother ; 
she  shall  be  a  living  mother  of  living  children.  Live  faithfully, 
charitahly,  holy  and  soberly:  and  then,  by  taking  hold  of  the 
promises  of  God,  you  will  be  able  to  live  comfortably.  Be 
ashamed  of  your  unbelief ;  it  damps  your  joy ;  brings  a  dark 
cloud  between  you  and  the  blessed  Sun  of  righteousness ;  and 
withholds  the  glory  of  your  heart.  Be  not  faithless,  sister,  but 
believing. 


58 


TO  THE  STRANGER. 


"He  loveih  the  stranger,  in  gilding  him  food  and  raiment.''  — Deut.  x.  18. 

E  are  too  apt  to  be  forgetful  of  our  home  above,  while  sur* 
rounded  with  all  the  comforts  of  a  home  below.  The 
Lord  sometimes  strips  us  of  them  to  turn  our  thoughts  home- 
ward. But  even  then,  he  does  not  leave  us  comfortless  ;  for  as 
tribulation  abounds,  consolation  also  abounds :  2  Cor.  i.  5.  The 
Christian  is  frequently  called  to  suffer  in  mind,  from  having  to 
live  amongst  men,  and  find  so  few  men ;  and  among  Christians, 
and  meet  with  so  few  Christians.  Sometimes  he  is  a  stranger  in 
a  strange  land,  without  any  certain  dwelling-place,  exposed  to 
hunger,  hardships,  and  want;  but  in  the  worst  of  times,  he  has 
this  best  of  consolations,  to  know  that  God  is  with  him  :  Isa.  xli. 
10.  Strangers  are  constantly  exposed ;  and,  very  frequently  des- 
titute of  friends  ;  which  makes  their  case  truly  pitiable.  Should 
this  be  your  case,  be  not  discouraged  :  you  have  still  one  friend 
left,  who  is  both  able  and  willing  to  help  you :  Isa.  xxv.  4.  Do 
not  be  afraid,  or  ashamed,  to  apply  to  him  immediately ;  and  lay 
before  him  the  true  state  of  your  case.  He  is  your  covenant- 
keeping  God,  and  will  not  send  you  empty  away.  For, 

1st.  He  loveth  the  stranger Here  is  thy  comfort;  He  ever 
loves,  always  hears,  and  can  instantly  deliver  thee.  Judge  not 
of  thy  Father's  love  by  his  present  dispositions ;  if  thou  art 
sorely  smitten  on  earth,  go  and  unbosom  thyself  to  thy  best 
friend,  thy  faithful  Friend,  in  heaven.  He  loves  thee ;  cares  for 
thee  ;  and  will  listen  to  all  thy  complaints. 

2d.  The  stranger  may  be  permitted  to  suffer,  for  awhile,  the 
gnawing  pains  of  hunger;  but  this  affords  the  Lord  an  oppor- 
tunity of  proving  His  love,  m  giving  Mm  food.^^  Shew  the 
stranger's  Friend  your  trouble  :  Ps.  cxlii.  2.  He  who  feeds  the 
ravens,  and  sent  Elijah  his  food  in  the  mouth  of  ravens,  has 
engaged  to  give  you  food,  even  amongst  strangers.  Your  apparel 
may  be  worn  threadbare,  yea,  worn  out ;  but  no  matter ;  you  can 
enter  the  court  of  your  Father's  house,  though  in  rags ;  for, 

3d.  He  gives  "  raiment ''  to  the  stranger,  on  his  applying  for  it, 
if  he  sees  it  will  be  for  the  best.  He  will  be  no  less  mindful  of 
you,  than  of  the  grass  :  Matt.  vi.  30. 


TO  THE  STRANG  EU. 


59 


"My  God  shall  supply  all  your  need,  according  to  his  riches  in  glory  by 
Christ  Jesus."  —  Vhi\.  iv.  19. 

HEEE  we  have  a  promissory  note  drawn  upon  the  Exchequer 
of  Heaven ;  and  a  precious  one  it  is ;  good  to  the  amount 
of  all  we  need ;  current  in  every  country ;  always  duly  honored ; 
and  never  withdrawn.  Stranger,  whoever  you  are,  or  wherever 
you  are,  if  you  are  a  Christian,  it  is  impossible  for  you  to  need 
anything  which  God  cannot  supply  you  with :  Ps.  xxiv.  1.  Paul, 
though  a  great  saint,  was  a  poor  sinner,  even  as  others.  Yet  hav- 
ing experienced  so  much  of  the  goodness  of  God  himself,  with 
what  unshaken  confidence  and  boldness,  he  speaks  of  what  his 
God  shall  do.  Observe, 

1st.  Paul's  God  is  your  God;  and  it  matters  not  where  your 
lot  is  cast,  nor  what  your  situation  might  be ;  though  you  may  be 
a  houseless  wanderer,  in  a  strange  country,  penniless,  friendless, 
and  forlorn ;  with  no  eye  to  pity  your  distress,  nor  any  hand  to 
minister  to  your  relief :  still  you  shall  have  no  cause  to  complain ; 
for  you  have  only  to  carry  this  check  to  the  bank  of  Heaven,  at 
any  hour  you  please,  and  you  may  depend  upon  receiving  the 
amount  of  all  you  needJ^  And,  what  more  can  you  desire  ? 
Deut.  X.  18.  Believers'  7ieeds  are  God's  concerns ;  and  He  will 
supply  them:  Ps.  Ixxxiv.  11.  My  God,^^  says  faithful  Paul, 
''shall  supply  ;  supply  all  your  needy  Not  he  7)iay  ;  but  ''He 
sliallJ^  Not  supply  you  in  part;  no;  but  all.  Not  all  your 
wants,  but  all  your  needs :  Ezek,  xi.  16. ' 

2d.  He  will,  yea,  "  shall  supply  all  your  need,"  not  according 
to  your  merit,  but  his  mercy ;  not  according  to  your  poverty  on 
earth,  but  according  to  "his  riches  in  glory ;  "  not  only  riches,  but 
riches  in  glory ;  glorious  riches.  You  receive  all  from  glory ;  and 
all  tends  to  glory.  Think  not  so  dishonorably  of  your  God,  as  to 
suppose  him  an  unconcerned  spectator  of  your  need ;  or  that  he 
will  withhold  from  you  what  you  do  need. 

3d.  "  Christ  Jesus/^  through  whom  "your  need^^  is  supplied,  is 
your  Saviour,  your  Eriend,  who  loveth  at  all  times ;  your  elder 
Brother  who  was  born  for  adversity.  He  is  touched  with  a  ten- 
der sympathy,  a  feeling  sense  of  all  your  infirmities  :  Heb.  iv.  15. 
Stretch  your  empty  hands  towards  your  God :  Isa.  Ixvi.  2. 


60 


TO  THE  POOR  AND  HELPLESS. 


"  The  needy  shall  not  always  be  forgotten  ;  the  expectation  of  the  poor  shall 
not  perish  forever.^'  —  Ps.  ix.  18. 

THE  faith,  patience,  and  valor,  of  Christ's  soldiers  are  best 
known,  when  sorest  tried.  The  poor  never  ceased  even  out 
of  the  land  of  Israel ;  Deut.  xv.  11.  For  ye  have,  says  Christ,  the 
poor  always  with  you :  Matt.  xxvi.  11.  Those  who  have  a  heart 
to  do  good,  need  never  complain  for  want  of  opportunity.  Not- 
withstanding,  there  are  many  who  have  much  goods/'  who  do  no 
good  with  their  goods ;  but  while  they  abound  with  plenty,  forget 
the  poor  in  their  poverty.  In  this  passage  there  is  a  double  con- 
solation for  the  poor  and  helpless. 

1st.  "  The  needy  shall  not  always  be  forgotten^  Truly,  this  is  a 
great  encouragement  for  you,  poor  Christian,  to  wait  patiently 
upon  God ;  and  not  to  think,  because  you  are  needy,  and  neglected 
by  man,  that  you  are  forgotten  by  the  Lord :  Job  xxxvi.  15.  Do 
not  suppose,  because  you  have  so  long  to  wait,  that  you  will  "  al- 
ways be  forgotten for  that  is  impossible:  Isa.  xlix.  15.  You  may 
have  expected  help  from  man,  and  have  been  disappointed.  But 
if  your  are  now  expecting  help  from  God,  be  assured,  your  expec- 
tation shall  not  be  cut  off :  Prov.  xxiii.  18.  Dry  up  your  tears  ; 
muster  your  faith  and  patience.  Try  a  throne  of  grace  once  more  ; 
Ps.  cii.  17.  Deliverance  will  shortly  come  :  Ps.  Ixxii.  12,  13.  The 
darkest  part  of  the  night  is  a  little  before  day.  Poverty  is  no 
sin.  See  Jesus,  consider  Jesus,  w^ho  had  not  where  to  lay  his 
head.  He  sees  you,  considers  you,  and  bears  a  part  in  all  your 
griefs  :  Heb.  iv.  15.  You  may  have  been  looking  for  help,  from 
quarters  you  naturally  expected  to  find  it,  but  have  been  disap 
pointed  ;  and  now  you  are  tempted  to  think  deliverance  will 
never  come.    Reason  not  so  with  unbelief.  Por, 

2d.  "  Tour  expectation  shall  not  perish  for  ever, It  is  true,  you 
cannot  live  on  faith ;  but  you  may,  and  it  is  your  privilege  to, 
live  by  faith  :  Rom.  i.  17.  Your  family,  if  you  have  one,  requires 
something  of  a  different  nature ;  but  just  as  your  children,  or 
dependants,  make  their  needs  known,  and  cry  to  you,  do  you  do 
so  to  your  heavenly  Father  :  Ps.  ciii.  13.  Blind  unbelief  is  sure 
to  err ;  and  carnal  reason  makes  a  false  report. 


TO  THE  POOR  Amy  HELPLESS, 


61 


"Let  the  brother  of  low  degree  rejoice,  in  that  he  is  exalted. —  James  i.  9. 

THE  brightest  saints  are  often  the  greatest  sufferers ;  though 
sufferings  and  afflictions  are  the  common  lot  of  all  Chris- 
tians:  Jas.  ii.  5.  But  poverty  does  not  destroy  the  relation  in 
which  they  stand  to  each  other  and  to  Christ.  For^ 

1st.  They  are  brethren;  and  it  is  their  privilege  to  rejoice,  even 
in  tribulation :  Eom.  v.  3.  Our  hopes  and  comforts  rise  or  fall, 
according  to  our  faith  in  what  Christ  is  in  himself ;  and  what  He 
is  to  us.  It  is,  therefore,  important,  that  we  claim  him  in  all  the 
relations  in  which  he  stands  to  us.  He  is  not  only  our  Savioui 
and  Advocate,  but  our  Brother  :  Heb.  ii.  17.  You  may  be 
brought  very  low,  and  your  life,  which  is  but  a  span  long,  be  full 
of  evils ;  each  fleeting  day  may  bring  upon  its  wing  some  new 
sorrow ;  and  the  adversary  may  be  permitted  to  buffet  you,  while 
his  fiery  darts  are  flying  thick  around  you ;  still,  you  belong  to  the 
brotherhood;  and  are  called  upon  to  rejoice.  Let  the  brother  of 
low  degree  rejoiced'  Do  you  ask,  "In  what  can  I  rejoice,  seeing  I 
am  almost  worn  out,  and  wearied  out  ?  what  with  my  poor  dis- 
tressed circumstances,  the  plague  of  my  deceitful  heart,  the  vio- 
lent assaults  of  Satan,  the  absence  of  my  Saviour's  smiles,  the 
troubles  of  the  world,  and  the  powerful  workings  of  unbelief,  my 
life  is  a  burden;  and,  in  what  have  I  to  rejoice  ? ''  Whatever 
^our  frames  and  feelings,  troubles  and  cares  may  be,  remember, 
''the  brother  of  low  degree^^  has  good  ground  to  rejoice  upon;  not 
only  because  he  is  called  a  brother,  but, 

2d.  "/n  that  he  is  exaltedJ^  Mind  that;  not  shall  be  ;  but  "is 
exaltedJ'  Worldly  wealth  soon  withers,  and  worldly  friends 
die  with  it ;  but  you  are  exalted  to  be  heir  to  an  inheritance  that 
cannot  fade :  1  Pet.  i.  4.  Your  troubles  will  soon  have  an  end ; 
the  whistling  winds  of  adversity  will  shortly  cease  to  blow  upon 
your  humble  cot ;  you  will  soon  be  freed  from  the  iron  hand  of 
poverty,  and  the  frozen  looks  of  icy-hearted  friends.  You  can 
Aever  take  any  real  harm  from  poverty  in  pocket,  so  long  as  you 
remain  "poor  in  spirit:''  Matt.  v.  3.  Deliverance  will  shortly 
come:  Ps.  cxiii.  7.  The  Lord  has  good  things  in  store  for  joui 
and  you  shall  have  them :  Ps^  ^y^^iii.  10. 


62 


TO  THE  WIDOW  AND  FATHERLESS. 


"  He  doth  execute  the  judgment  of  the  fatherless  and  widow'*  —  Deut.  x.  18. 

MEN  glory  in  their  greatness ;  but  God  glories  in  his  good- 
ness ;  and  wherever  he  finds  human  misery,  He  is  sure  to 
bestow  divine  mercy :  Ps.  Ixxii.  4.  The  Lord  is  good  to  all ;  but 
truly  good  to  all  who  love  him :  Ps.  Ixxiii.  1.  He  ever  loves  to 
help  the  helpless  ;  therefore,  poor,  heart-stricken  widow,  and  sor- 
rowful orphans.  He  has  taken  your  cause  into  his  own  hands. 
Plearken,  sister,  the  Lord  of  Hosts  commands  away  thy  fears ;  and 
declares  himself  to  be  thy  husband:  Isa.  liv.  4,  5.  Think  not 
because  you  have  lost  your  husband  you  have  lost  your  God.  No ; 
that  can  never  be.  You  are  married  to  him ;  and  He  hates  put- 
ting away.  And  all  that  he  expects  from  you  is,  that  you  should 
bring  forth  fruit  unto  him.  He  will  love,  honor,  and  cherish  you, 
succor  and  support  you,  in  sickness  and  in  health ;  and  will  not 
suffer  even  death  itself  to  part  you.  Men  may  endeavor  to  take 
an  advantage  of  your  weakness  and  helplessness ;  but  wo  be  to 
them,  who  shall  dare  to  make  such  an  attempt,  or  in  anywise 
afflict  you  :  Exod.  xxii.  22-24.  Make  yourselves  perfectly  easy  ; 
for    He  doth  execute  the  judgment  of  the  fatherless  and  widow.^^ 

When  a  family  is  bereft  of  its  head,  then  the  Lord  takes  the 
charge  upon  himself;  so  that,  the  widow  and  fatherless  find 
their  loss  more  than  made  up.  He  is  a  Judge  or  Patron  of  the 
widows,  to  give  them  every  necessary  advice,  plead  their  cause, 
do  them  right,  and  see  them  righted  :  Prov.  xxii.  23.  His  ear  is 
open  to  all  their  cries,  and  his  hand  supplies  all  their  needs.  He 
is  a  Father  of  the  fatherless  ;  He  defends  their  cause,  pities  them, 
blesses  them,  provides  for  them,  instructs  them,  and  portions 
them :  Ps.  Ixviii.  5.  Once  more,  let  me  remind  thee,  poor  widow, 
the  Lord  has  taken  thee  for  better,  for  worse ;  as  a  bride,  love 
him,  honor  and  obey  him,  and  keep  thee  only  to  him  ;  and,  indul- 
gent as  thy  former  husband  might  have  been,  thou  wilt  find  Him 
infinitely  more  kind.  And  let  the  fatherless  act  towards  Him  as 
they  would  to  a  kind  and  indulgent  father,  and  they  shall  have  no 
cause  to  complain,  but  abundant  cause  to  rejoice  in  having  the 
Lord  for  their  Father.  In  the  Lord  the  fatherless  find  mercy  : 
Hos.  xiv.  3* 


TO  THE  WIDOW  AND  FATHERLESS. 


63 


"Pure  religion  and  undefiled  before  God  and  the  Father,  is  this,  To  visit 
the  father/ess  and  widows  in  their  affliction,  and  to  keep  himself  unspotted 
from  the  world."  —  James  i.  27. 

ACHEISTIAlSr  does  not  work  to  live;  but  lie  does  live  to 
work :  Jas.  ii.  22.  Christ  dwelling  in  the  hearty  by  faith,  is 
the  source  and  spring  of  all  comfort,  and  every  good  work :  Eph. 
iii.  17.  We  have  here  a  touchstone,  by  which  we  may  try  our 
religion;  and  which,  if  men  would  only  take  the  trouble  to  bring 
their  religion  to  it,  would  soon  put  an  end  to  all  hot  disputes. 
Observe,  what  is  said  of  true  religion. 

1st.  It  is  called  ''Pure  religion not  mixed  with  the  inven- 
tions and  traditions  of  man;  nor  the  corruptions  of  the  world. 
2d.  It  is  '' undefiled  having  no  connexion  whatever  with 
bigotry,  prejudice,  party-zeal,  or  uncharitableness :  1  John  iii.  10. 
It  is  of  the  utmost  importance  that  our  religion  be  pure  and  kept 
undefiled;  and  that  it  teach  us  to  act,  on  all  occasions,  as  in  the 
presence  of  Him  whom  we  profess  to  serve ;  that  we  may  please 
Him  in  all  our  actions.  For  no  religion  is  of  any  value,  but  that 
which  is  found  pure  and  undefiled  "before  God  and  the  Father 
3d.  A  very  necessary  part  of  true  religion  is,  To  visit  the  father- 
less and  widows  in  their  affliction^  The  Lord  knows  they  need 
visiting,  and  that  they  are  too  frequently  neglected ;  but  He  will 
lot  forget  them ;  and  has,  therefore,  made  it  a^  part  of  our  religion 
jO  visit  them ;  and  not  from  curiosity,  or  mere  compliment,  but 
n  compassion  and  charity.  4th.  The  man  whose  religion  is  pure, 
must  not  only  endeavor  to  preserve  that  from  being  defiled,  but, 
must  "keep  himself  unspotted  from  the  world.''  It  is  hard  to 
live  in  the  world,  and  have  to  do  with  it,  and  not  be  spotted  by 
it;  but  this  must  be  our  constant  endeavor:  1  Cor.  x.  31.  We 
may  travel  a  bad  road,  without  sitting  down  in. the  mud. 

Are  you  fatherless?  —  put  your  trust  in  God;  live  to  him; 
wipe  away  your  tears ;  for  though  your  loss  is  great,  your  gain 
is  greater;  and  your  heavenly  Father  will  more  than  fill  your 
earthly  father's  place:  Hos.  xiv.  2.  Are  you  a  ividoiu  9  —  cease 
to  mourn  your  loss ;  for  God  has  engaged  to  act  in  the  double 
capacity  of  Father  and  Husband  toward  you ;  and  he  will  never 
break  his  engagement:  Ps.  Ixviii,  5, 


64 


TO  THE  PKISONER  AND  CAPTIVE. 


"  Verily  I  will  cause  the  enemy  to  entreat  thee  well  in  the  time  of  evil,  and 
in  the  time  of  affliction."  —  Jer.  xv.  11. 

TTTHAT  a  sweet  harmony  exists  between  the  Father's  prom- 


V  V  ises  and  the  children's  needs !  Eeligion  will  never  ex- 
empt a  man  from  trouble,  but  it  will  make  him  happy  in  trouble ; 
for  he  knows,  go  how  it  may  with  others,  it  is  sure  to  be  well  with 
him :  Isa.  iii.  10.  Should  you  be  brought  into  prison,  or  afflic- 
tion, for  righteousness'  sake,  a  righteous  God  will  cause  your 
enemies  to  entreat  you  well,^^  for  his  mercy's  sake :  Isa.  xlix.  25. 
The  God  whom  you  serve  has  the  hearts  of  all  men  in  his  hand ; 
and  can,  yea,  will,  cause  the  enemy,  into  whose  hands  you  may  have 
fallen,  to  treat  thee  well.  And  of  this  you  have  no  room  to  doubt; 
for  he  has  not  only  said,  I  ivill,^^  which  ought  to  be  sufficient, 
but,  Verily,  I  willJ^  All  that  God  says.  He  does;  and  when- 
ever trouble  comes,  grace  is  never  far  behind;  and  it  will  go 
better  with  you  amongst  open  enemies,  than  pretended  friends: 
2  Cor.  xii.  9. 

It  matters  but  little  where  you  are,  if  Jesus  be  with  you.  His 
presence  will  dispel  your  gloom ;  turn  a  prison  into  a  palace ;  and 
a  palace  into  a  toy.  And  you  may  depend  upon  it,  he  loves  you 
too  well  to  suffer  you  to  live  on  earth  without  him ;  or  to  live  in 
heaven  without  you :  John  xiv.  2,  3.  Should  the  enemy  be  per- 
mitted to  do  his  worst,  he  can  do  no  more  than  bind,  confine, 
torment,  and  afflict  your  poor  body;  he  cannot  bind  your  soul ; 
nor  prevent  God  from  visiting,  blessing,  and  supporting  it :  Deut. 
XXX.  4.  I^eitlier  will  he  suffer  the  enemy  to  hurt  a  hair  of  thy 
head,  nor  afflict  thee,  unless  He  sees  it  will  be  well  for  thee :  Matt. 
X.  30,  31.  For  He  has  said,  "  Verily  I  iviU  cause  the  enemy  to  en- 
treat thee  loeliy  Hath  he  said  it,  and  shall  he  not  do  it?  And 
this  He  will  do  ^Hn  the  time  of  evil;^^  in  the  time  of  trouble  and 
sorrow :  Job  ii.  10.  You  have  no  evil  to  fear  but  sin ;  which  is 
the  true  cause  of  every  natural  evil :  Ps.  xxxiv.  16.  By  avoiding 
sin,  you  have  nothing  to  dread  from  the  worst  of  evils;  and  you 
will  have  the  happiness  to  know,  that  whatever  other  evil  or  afflic- 
tion may  befall  you,  is  for  your  good :  Job  v.  6,  7 ;  inasmuch  as  it 
is  of  the  Lord :  Amos  iii.  6 ;  through  whose  mercies  we  are  not 
consumed:  Lam.  iii.  22. 


TO  THE  PRISONER  AND  CAPTIVE. 


65 


"/  will  give  you  a  mouth  and  wisdom,  which  all  your  adversaries  shall  not 
be  able  to  gainsay  nor  resist."  —  Luke  xxi.  15. 

"TTTHILE  Christ  lives^  a  believer's  hopes  can  never  die;  his 


^  ^  soul  may  be  cast  down,  but  cannot  despair ;  he  may  be 
stripped  of  earthly  comforts,  but  nothing  can  separate  him  from 
the  love  of  Christ :  Rom.  viii.  38,  39.  If  you  are  an  advocate  of 
the  truth  of  Christ,  you  may  expect  to  suffer  in  its  defence,  and 
need  not  think  it  strange  should  you  be  brought  before  ecclesias- 
tic and  civil  courts  for  his  sake :  John  xvi.  2.  Should  this  be 
your  case,  let  it  give  you  no  concern,  as  though  it  was  a  case  of 
your  own;  for  Christ  will  ''give  you  a  mouth,^^  to  speak  with ; 
"  and  wisdom,^^  to  know  when  to  speak,  and  ivJiat  to  speak.  When- 
ever, and  wherever,  you  are  called  to  plead  the  cause  of  Christ, 
you  may  depend  upon  having  a  mouth  and  wisdom  to  do  it  with. 
He  does  not  say,  I  will  send  some  one  to  be  a  mouth  for  you,  and 
supply  your  lack  of  wisdom;  no;  but,  '' I  will  give  you  a  mouth 
and  wisdom : which  most  certainly  proves  him  to  be  more  than 
man ;  or  he  could  not  tell  when  those  things  would  be  needed  : 
nor  give  them  if  he  could  tell :  James  i.  5. 

You  may  even  be  brought  like  a  criminal  to  the  bar ;  and  have 
grievous  things  laid  to  your  charge,  as  was  the  case  with  your 
Lord  before  you;  but  still,  ''your  adversaries though  seated  in 
pomp,  and  clothed  with  authority,  "  shall  not  be  able  to  gainsay  nor 
resist your  mouth  and  wisdom  :  Isa.  xlix.  25.  And  should  they, 
against  the  strongest  convictions,  be  permitted  to  cast  you  into 
prison,  still  trust  in  the  Lord ;  and  he  who  made  it  go  well  with 
Joseph,  will  make  it  to  go  well  with  you  :  Gen.  xxxix.  2.  Be 
careful  to  do  all  that  Christ  says,  and  never  fear  what  man  does : 
John  XV.  20.  It  is  far  better  to  suffer  with  Christ  than  take 
pleasure  in  sin.  You  may  be  driven  very  far  from  friends  and 
home,  or  confined  between  the  gloomy  walls  of  a  loathsome 
prison,  still,  the  promise  is,  "From  thence  will  the  Lord  thy 
God  gather  thee,  and  from  thence  will  he  fetch  thee : Deut. 
xxx.  4.  "  He  bringeth  out  those  which  are  bound  with  chains  :  " 
Ps.  Ixviii.  6.  "  The  Lord  looseth  the  prisoners :  "  Ps.  cxlvi.  7. 
Our  blessedness  consists  in  knowing  that  the  word  of  the  Lord 
abideth  forever :  Luke  xvi,  17, 


66 


OF  DELIVERANCE  FROM  FAMINE, 


In  famine  he  shall  redeem  thee  from  death.  "  —  Job  v.  20. 

HILE  poor  Job  suffers  the  loss  of  all,  still  he  glories  in 


^  ^  the  possession  of  all ;  for  though  he  could  not  say  my 
oxen,  my  sheep,  my  camels,  my  servants,  my  sons,  and  my  daugh- 
ters, as  formerly,  yet  he  could  say,  "My  Eedeemer  liveth  : Job 
xix.  25.  The  belief  of  this,  sweetened  every  bitter,  lightened 
every  cross,  held  his  head  above  water,  made  up  every  loss,  kept 
him  from  fainting,  fortified  his  mind,  and  enabled  him  to  say  in 
the  midst  of  all  his  troubles,  "  Blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord.'' 
When  dangers  are  most  threatening,  the  Christian  should  be 
most  believing :  for  though  he  cannot  keep  himself  from  calam- 
ity, God  can  keep  him  in  calamity  :  Dan.  iii.  17.  You  need  not 
expect  to  be  long  free  from  tribulation ;  but  it  is  your  privilege 
to  rejoice  in  it :  2  Cor.  vii.  4. 

Be  not  afraid  of  famine;  for,  let  who  may  go  without  food, 
you  shall  be  fed :  Ps.  xxxvii.  3.  The  watchful  eye  of  the  Lord 
is  over  all  those  that  fear  him,  and  hope  in  him :  Ps.  xxxiii.  18, 
19.  Let  it,  therefore,  not  distress  you,  should  your  prospect  of 
obtaining  bread  for  yourself,  and  those  dependent  upon  you,  be 
cut  off ;  so  long  as  it  is  written,  His  bread  shall  be  given  him ; 
and  his  waters  shall  be  sure  :  "  Isa.  xxxiii.  16.  Let  those  doubt 
who  have  no  God  to  go  to  in  the  time  of  trouble ;  but  why  should 
you  doubt  ?  can  you  assign  any  reason  why  ?  is  not  the  God 
whom  you  serve,  as  well  able  to  feed  you  as  he  was  his  servant 
Elijah  in  the  wilderness,  in  the  time  of  famine  ?  and  is  he  not 
as  willing  ?  You  have  trusted  him  with  your  soul ;  surely,  then, 
you  are  not  afraid  to  trust  him  with  your  body :  Ps.  xxxiv.  10. 
Do  you  ever  recollect  his  suffering  you  to  be  confounded,  on  any 
occasion  when  you  trusted  in  him  ?  Isa.  1.  7.  Hang  upon  his 
promise  :  "  in  famine/^  when  desolating  judgments  are  abroad,  let 
who  will  fall  by  the  hand  of  the  destroyer,  he  shall  redeem  thee 
from  death.^^  Cleave  close  to  God;  and  depend  upon  his  being 
close  to  thee.  He  satisfieth  the  longing  soul,  and  filleth  the 
hungry  soul  with  goodness :  Ps.  cvii.  9.  Although  the  fig-tree 
shall  not  blossom,  neither  shall  fruit  be  in  the  vines :  the  labor 
of  the  olive  shall  fail,  and  the  fields  shall  yield  no  meat  —  yet, 
do  you  rejoice  in  the  Lord, 


OF  DELIVERANCE  FROM  FAMINE. 


67 


'*  Man  shall  not  live  by  bread  alone,  but  by  every  word  that  proceedeth  out  of 
the  mouth  of  God.'*  —  Matt.  iv.  4. 

"TTTHEN"  Christ  was  in  straits,  the  Devil  did  not  fail  to  tempt 


'  ^  him  to  question  his  sonship  •  distrust  his  Father's  love 
and  care ;  and  as  soon  as  he  began  to  be  hungry,  look  out  for  a 
supply ;  and  would  have  him  supply  himself  in  an  unlawful  way. 
Be  not  surprised,  then,  if,  in  your  straits,  you  should  meet  with 
similar  temptations ;  but  you  have  only  to  pursue  a  course  similar 
to  that  pursued  by  your  Lord,  and  the  tempter  will  leave  you : 
"It  is  written,  Man  shall  not  live  by  bread  alone/^  &c. :  Deut.  viii.  3. 
It  is  true,  kind  Providence  ordinarily  maintains  men  by  bread 
out  of  the  earth :  J ob  xxviii.  5 ;  but  can,  when  He  pleases,  make 
use  of  other  means ;  evejy  word  that  proceedeth  out  of  the  mouth 
of  God^^^  must  accomplish  that  which  he  pleases.  And  if  God 
chooses  to  order  anything  else  in  lieu  of  bread,  man  will  have  no 
cause  for  complaint ;  he  will  have  as  good  a  livelihood.  If  man 
has  bread  without  the  blessing  of  God,  he  will  not  be  nourished 
by  it ;  and  if  he  want  bread  the  Lord  is  able  to  nourish  him  some 
other  way:  Hag.  i.  6,  9.  He  sustained  Moses,  without  bread; 
fed  Israel  in  the  wilderness,  with  angels'  food ;  and  caused  the 
ravens  to  supply  Elijah.  The  formalist  can  trust  God  for  a  loaf 
while  he  has  a  barrel  of  flour;  and  has  his  coffers  well  lined; 
but  the  Christian  trusts  Him  even  in  famine :  Hab.  iii.  17, 18.  It 
is  impossible  for  you  to  be  brought  into  any  strait  by  the  provi- 
dence of  God,  that  the  God  of  providence  cannot  bring  you  out 
of  ;  2  Pet.  ii.  9.  The  Saviour  was  in  a  wilderness,  and  so  are  you; 
he  is  God's  Son,  and  so  are  you ;  the  devil  was  conquered  by  him, 
and  shall  be  conquered  for  you :  Eom.  xvi.  20.  Israel  hungered, 
"but  God  fed  them.  Bread  is  the  staff  of  life ;  but  the  blessing 
of  God  is  the  staff  of  bread.  God  well  knows  how  to  feed  his 
children,  either  with  or  without  bread.  A  Christian  may  live 
without  bread;  but  he  cannot  live  without  God:  1  John  iv.  16. 
Consider  Jesus,  the  Captain  of  your  salvation,  lest  you  be  weary 
and  faint  in  your  mind.  A  heart  full  of  grace  is  better  than  a 
house  full  of  bread.  In  the  heaviest  of  affliction,  we  have  this 
consolation^  ^^The  Lord  will  provide,'^ 


68 


OF  DELIVERANCE  FROM  WAR. 


"  Through  God  we  shall  do  valiantly  ;  for  He  it  is  that  shall  tread  down  our 
enemies.  "  —  Ps.  Ix.  12, 


LESSED  be  God  for  the  word  of  his  grace,  the  Bible,  in 


J--^  which  we  have  so  many  sacred  and  precious  promises ; 
thanks  be  to  God  for  his  unspeakable  gift,  Jesus,  in  whom  all 
those  promises  are  yea,  and  in  him  Amen,  unto  the  glory  of  God 
by  us :  2  Cor.  i.  20.  Here  we  have  the  saints'  confidence  in  God, 
and  in  his  power  and  promise.  Observe, 

1st.  The  best  principle  of  true  courage  is,  hope  in  God;  for 
none  but  God  can  subdue  our  enemies.  But  He  can  and  will ; 
yea,  and  faith  says,  ''He  shall  and  has  for  its  assurance  the 
promises  of  God :  Deut.  xx.  4.  2d.  Our  confidence  in  God  must 
not  cause  us  to  fold  our  hands,  as  though  we  had  nothing  to  do ; 
but  should  encourage  and  quicken  our  endeavors  in  the  discharge 
of  every  duty.  "  God  himself  is  with  us  for  our  captain :  and 
he  it  is  that  performs  all  things  for  us ;  yet,  there  is  something 
to  be  done  by  us :  2.Chron.  xiii.  12.  For,  3d.  ''Through  God/^ 
through  his  grace  assisting  of  us,  it  is,  that  "we  shall  do  val- 
iantlyJ^  So  that  we  have  every  encouragement  to  be  up  and 
doing.  But  after  we  have  done  our  best,  we  must  not  depend 
upon  our  doings ;  nor  trust  in  our  own  might ;  nor  our  own  power 
for  victory.  For,  4th.  "He  it  is  that  shall  tread  down  our 
enemies :  and  He  must  have  the  praise.  Ko  matter  who  fights 
against  us,  so  long  as  God  fights  for  us.  Though  a  host  may 
encamp  against  us,  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  will  encamp  around 
us :  Ps.  xxxiv.  7.  Our  enemies  may  have  mighty  generals  with 
fchem,  famed  for  shedding  blood,  and  scattering  desolation  all 
around  them;  but  what  need  we  fear  ?  ^^for  they  that  be  with  us 
are  more  than  they  that  be  with  them  : ''  2  Kin.  vi.  15-17.  And 
through  God  we  shall  do  valiantly ;  and  so  we  shall  do  vie* 
toriously. 

Some  are  so  fond  of  war,  that  they  make  war  when  there  needs 
none :  while  others  will  cry,  "  Peace,''  where  there  is  none :  Isa. 
Ivii.  21.  War  and  Christianity,  like  fire  and  water,  cannot  mix 
well  together :  Matt.  xxvi.  52.  Strive  always  to  be  at  peace  with 
the  Prince  of  peace ;  and  then,  no  matter  what  wars  are  without, 
you  will  always  have  peace  within. 


OF  DELIVERANCE  FROM  WAR. 


69 


"  The  weapons  of  our  warfare  are  not  carnal,  but  mighty  through  God  to  the 
pulling  down  of  strong  holds.  "  —  2  Cor.  x.  4. 

THE  God  of  peace,  in  the  plentitude  of  hie  goodness,  has 
scattered  plenty  all  around  for  the  supply  of  all  his  crea- 
tures ;  but  man,  by  war,  has  diffused  famine  and  misery.  Lands 
which  our  bountiful  Donor  caused  to  flow  with  milk  and  honey, 
have  since  been  sprinkled  with  tears  of  hunger  and  distress ; 
while  the  fields  that  waved  with  golden  grain,  have  been  drenched 
with  human  blood !  How  desirable  is  it,  then,  to  be  delivered 
from  the  ravages  of  war  !  Christian  soldiers  have  to  fight  while 
in  the  flesh ;  but  not  after  the  flesh ;  for  having  made  peace  with 
God,  through  the  Prince  of  peace,  they  no  longer  dtlight  in  wai 
with  man :  Eom.  xii.  18.  But  though  a  Christian  has  nothing  to 
fear  from  man,  and  can  no  longer  delight  in  shedding  the  blood 
of  his  fellow-beings,  in  consequence  of  being  united  to  Christ,  he 
has  constantly  to  fight.  The  Christian's  life  is  a  spiritual  war- 
fare ;  has  to  do  with  spiritual  enemies,  and  for  spiritual  purposes ; 
and  hence,  "  The  weapons  of  our  warfare  are  not  carnal.'^  Ob- 
serve, 

1st.  The  flesh  must  not  be  gratified ;  but  crucified.  The  doc- 
trines of  the  gospel  are  the  '^iveapons  of  o\ir  warfare  and, 
though  these  ''are  not  carnal,''^  they  are  mighty,  powerful  and 
convincing ;  carrying  the  force  of  truth  with  them  to  the  con- 
sciences of  men :  Acts  xxiv.  25. 

2d.  It  is  "  through  God,^^  whose  institutions  they  are,  and 
whose  blessing  alone  insures  success,  that  we  gain  the  conquest ; 
for  He  it  is  which  makes  all  opposition  to  fall  before  the  weapons 
we  wield. 

3d.  Our  enemies  are  strongly  fortified ;  being  not  only  in,  but 
are  ''-strong-holds.'^^  Every  opposition  made  by  sin  and  Satan^ 
ignorance,  prejudice  and  lust  in  the  heart,  are  strong-holds  of  the 
enemy ;  and  the  Gospel  is  the  means  appointed  to  "x^^^^l  them 
down ;  "  and  down  they  must  come  ;  and  we  be  brought  off  more 
than  conquerors  :  Eom.  viii.  37.  Let  us,  then,  no  longer  fear  but 
fight ;  and,  as  soldiers  of  Christ,  fight  manfully  the  battles  of 
Christ.  And  should  circumstances,  over  which  you  may  have  no 
control,  lead  you  into  war,  still  keep  on  the  Lord's  side,  and  in 
war  he  shall  redeem  thee  from  the  power  of  the  sword ;  Job  v.  20. 


70 


OF  DELIVERANCE  FROM  Ei^'EMIES. 


"  Lord,  it  is  nothing  witt)  thee  to  help,  whether  with  many,  or  with  them 
that  have  no  power. ' ' — 2  Cliron.  xiv.  11. 

IT  is  allowed,  even  by  the  wicked,  They  are  well  kept  whom 
God  keeps/'  If  left  to  ourselves,  our  enemies  would  prove 
too  many  and  too  mighty  for  us;  but  such  is  not  the  case:  and 
we  have  nothing  to  fear  from  a  host  of  them,  while  the  Lord  of 
hosts  is  on  our  side;  and  his  Son  is  at  our  head.  Some  trust  in 
the  strength  of  their  arm;  but  the  Christian  trusts  in  the  strength 
of  his  God:  1  Tim.  iv.  10.  It  is  good  to  be  well  prepared;  but 
not  to  trust  in  our  preparations.  Enemies  you  may,  yea,  will 
have;  and  be  not  surprised  if  those  who  ought  to  be  your  friends 
should  prove  themselves  your  enemies:  such  was  the  case  with 
your  dear  Kedeemer.  His  spotless  life,  nor  benevolent  actions, 
could  secure  to  him  the  good-will  of  all;  even  his  friends  betrayed, 
forsook,  and  fled  from  him,  in  his  greatest  extremity.  If  we 
live  to  God  we  have  nothing  to  fear  from  man:  Ps.  Ivi.  11.  We 
h  ive  only  to  know  that  the  Lord  is  oz^r  God;  and  then,  no  matter 
how  numerous  and  formidable  our  enemies  may  appear;  for  it 
"  is  nothing  with  Him  to  help,  whether  with  many  or  them  that 
have  no  power.'"  So  that  you  need  look  no  longer  upon  your 
own  weakness;  for  it  is  nothing''  with  the  Lord.  Your  living 
to  God  will  never  prevent  your  having  enemies;  but,  on  the  con- 
trary, may  cause  many  to  rise  up  against  you;  who  will  persecute 
you,  and  say  all  manner  of  evil  against  you,  falsely;  still  you 
need  not  fear;  for  if  you  suffer  in  a  righteous  cause,  you  shall  be 
delivered  by  a  righteous  God.  You  may  be  poor  and  powerless; 
still  it  is  nothing  with  Him  to  help;  your  strength  is  in  the 
Lord,  who  depends  not  upon  your  power;  you  may  have  to  stand 
alone;  still  it  is  nothing,"  and  matters  nothing,  whether  the 
Lord  help  with  the  majiy  who  are  mighty,  or  with  "them  that 
have  no poioerJ'  KoU  thy  burden  upon  the  Lord;  spread  thy 
case  and  all  thy  cares  before  him;  fret  not  thyself  because  of 
those  who  bring  wicked  devices  to  pass.  The  Lord  your  God  ye 
shall  fear,  and  he  shall  deliver  you  out  of  the  hand  of  all  your 
enemies:  2  Kin.  xvii.  39.  When  the  Lord  helps,  it  is  always 
with  a  dead -lift.  Men  may  fight  against  you^  but  God  fights  for 
you:  Deut,  xx.  4, 


LIBRARY 
OF  THE 
UNIVERSITY  Of  ILLINOIS 


1  am  with  thee,  and  no  man  shall  set  on  thee  to  hurt  thee/*  —  Page  71. 


OF  DELIVERANCE  FROM  ExnEMIES. 


71 


"/  am  with  thee,  and  no  man  shall  set  on  thee  to  hurt  thsc.  —  A^cts 
xviii.  10. 

i^HRISTIAlSr  friend,  your  daily  work  is  to  fight  tho  good 


"  fight  of  faith,  and  to  lay  hold  on  eternal  life  j  nor  will 
you  ever  want  enemies  to  fight  with ;  for  should  you  meet  with 
none  from  without,  you  may  always  find  plenty  lurkiiig  within. 
If  you  were  of  the  world,  you  would  live  like  the  world  j  and  Id 
consequence  of  the  world's  loving  you,  your  enemies  would  be 
fewer  than  what  they  now  are ;  but  you  would  have  more  to  fear 
from  them,  than  you  now  have;  for  their  enmity  is  not  so  much 
against  you,  as  the  God  whose  image  you  bear  ••  J ohn  xv.  J  8,  19 
And  the  more  you  strive  to  live  to  G-od,  the  more  their  eumity 
will  increase:  Eom.  viii.  7.    But  for  your  comfort  observe, 

1st.  The  blessed  assurance  given ;  "  /  am  with  thee.'^  N ever 
did  a  kind  father  speak  with  more  tenderness  to  his  dear  child, 
when  passing  through  the  midst  of  enemies,  than  your  heavenly 
Father  here  speaks  to  you.  Fear  not,  I  am  with  thee ;  not  only 
within  call,  but  by  the  side  of  thee ;  fear  not  the  threatenings  of 
thy  enemies,  "  I  am  with  thee  "  to  help  thee,  and  bless  thee,  sup- 
port and  protect  thee.  Whatever  the  Lord  in  his  word  enjoins 
upon  you,  that  do ;  and  leave  all  consequences  with  him ;  seeing 
it  is  beneath  the  dignity  of  a  heaven-born  soul  to  fear  the  slaves 
of  sin.  You  have  a  good  warrant  of  protection.  Men  may,  and 
perhaps  do,  set  on  you ;  but  bear  in  mind, 

2d.  "Ko  man  shall  set  on  thee  to  hart  theeJ^  Your  enemies 
might  be  both  wicked  and  unreasonable,  but  fear  neither  their 
words  nor  their  looks ;  their  words  are  but  wind ;  and  their  looks 
can  do  no  harm ;  neither  have  they  any  power  against  you  but 
what  God  gives  them :  Acts  xvii.  28.  Men  may  greatly  trouble 
you,  but  Father  will  see  to  it  that  no  man  shall  hurt  you.  Trials 
you  may  expect  daily,  but  they  will  have  an  end  shortly.  Wher- 
ever you  are,  never  be  backward  to  advocate  the  cause  of  Christ 
seeing  he  constantly  advocates  yours,  and  is  ever  with  you :  ]Matt. 
•xxviii.  20.  Let  it  be  your  constant  study,  not  only  to  look  like  a 
Christian,  but  to  live  like  one;  and  then  you  will  have  the  congos 
lation  to  know^  that  what  you  do  well  pleases  God* 


72 


OF  DELIVERANCE  FllOM  REPROACH. 


"  Thou  shalt  hide  them  in  the  secret  of  thy  presence  from  the  pride  of  man , 
thou  shait  keep  them  secretly  in  a  pavilion  from  the  strife  of  tongues. ' '  —  Ps. 
xxxi.  20. 

THE  father  of  lies  and  enemy  of  all  truth,  will  assuredly 
bring  lying  accusations  against  you,  and  the  truth  that  you 
believe.  As  sure  as  you  live  a  holy  life,  you  will  have  proud  and 
contemptuous  foes  ;  who  will  speak  proudly  against  your  faith, 
and  sneer  at  your  unshaken  confidence.  Their  lying  lips  will  be 
opened  against  you.  It  has  been  so  from  the  beginning ;  and  that 
which  was  in  the  beginning,  is  now,  and  ever  shall  be.  The  pride 
of  man  lies  at  the  bottom  of  every  other  corruption  thai:  dwells  in 
the  human  heart :  Mark  vii.  21-23.  Some  of  the  legitimate  off- 
spring of  pride  are,  self-conceit,  contempt  of  God,  and  disdain  of 
men :  1  Sam.  xvii.  28.  Calumny  may  spread  her  monster-figured 
mantle  over  the  Christian,  and  reproach  spread  a  dreary  gloom 
over  his  mind;  but  when  the  sweet  reflection  visits  his  soul,  that 
his  Eedeemer  cares  for  him,  it  is  again  sunshine  to  his  heart ;  his 
wounded  spirit  drinks  in  the  heavenly  balm ;  while  in  the  assur- 
ance of  faith  he  exclaims,  Tliou  shalt  hide  meJ^  God  reserves 
his  goodness  for  his  saints :  Ps.  Ixviii.  19 ;  and  preserves  his 
saints  for  his  goodness  :  1  Pet.  i.  5.  The  pncZe  —  the  strife  —  the 
tongues  of  men,  may  endanger  the  liberty  and  life  of  Christians, 
but  God  shall  "  hide  them.^^  Neither  will  he  hide  them  far  from 
him;  but  in  the  '^secret  of  Jiis  presence ;  yea,  and  after  he  has 
hid  them,  he  will  not  forget  them  ;  but  keep  them  cheerful  and 
easy  in  "  his  pavilion/^  where  they  shall  have  constant  communion 
with  him.  What  more  can  you  desire,  than  the  constant  presence 
of  God  ?  Ps.  Ixxiii.  25.  What  can  hurt  you,  while  God  is  your 
hiding-place  ?  Eeproach  is  cruel;  and  the  slanderer's  tongue  more 
to  be  dreaded  than  the  dagger  of  the  assassin ;  but  let  it  concern 
you  more  to  know  what  God  thinks  of  you,  than  what  the  "  strife 
of  tongues  may  say  of  you.  You  may  always  keep  a  good  con- 
science ;  though  men  may  give  you  a  bad  name.  The  servant  is 
not  greater  than  his  Lord.  And  if  men  are  determined  to  speak 
evil  of  you,  be  sure  you  strive  to  live  so  that  nobody  will  believe 
them.    God  reads  the  heart ;  and  believes  not  a  false  report. 


OF  DELIVERANCE  FROM  REPROACH. 


7S 


"Ifye  be  reproached  for  the  name  of  Christ,  happy  are  ye;  for  the  Spirit  of 
glory  and  of  God  resteth  upon  you :  on  their  part  he  is  evil  spoken  of,  Out  on 
your  part  he  is  glorified. "  —  1  Pet.  iv.  14. 

TXTHEEE  piety  has  its  seat  in  the  hearty  it  will  be  seen  in  the 


V  V  life ;  hence,  believers  are  the  salt  of  the  earth,  to  spread 
a  salutary  influence,  and  save  the  world  from  moral  putrefaction. 
If,  therefore,  such  a  conduct  subject  you  to  reproach,  happy  are 
ye.  What !  happy  when  reproached  ?  —  Why,''  says  the  poor, 
tried  believer,  "  it  is  quite  a  paradox.''  So  it  is,  but  then,  it  is  a 
Christian  paradox.  "  If  ye  be  reproached  for  the  name  of  Christ/^ 
think  it  not  strange,  as  though  something  strange  had  happened 
unto  you ;  f 01  there  is  no  crime  too  black,  for  the  servants  of  God 
to  be  accused  of,  at  one  time  or  other.  If  you  would  reign  with 
Christ,  you  may  expect  to  suffer  for  Christ :  Phil.  i.  29.  The 
Prince  of  peace  was  accused  of  perverting  the  nation ;  and  can 
his  followers  expect  to  go  free  ?  Luke  xxiii.  2.  The  flesh  finds 
it  hard  work  to  submit  to  reproach  without  reviling  again ;  espe- 
cially when  reproached  by  those  you  may  have  treated  kindly ; 
however  you  may  feel  to  the  contrary,  still  it  is  written,  happy 
are  ye;^^  and  you  must  not  measure  your  religion,  nor  God's  love 
to  you,  by  your  poor,  harrowed  feelings ;  but  hang  by  faith  on 
the  promises  of  God.  Both  the  best  men  and  the  best  things 
are  sure  to  meet  with  reproaches  in  the  world.  Jesus  the  Saviour 
and  his  followers,  the  Spirit  of  God  and  the  Gospel  of  his  Son, 
are  all  evil  spoken  of.  But  your  happiness  consists  in  the  Spirit 
of  glory  and  of  God  resting  upon  youJ^  And  the  reproaches  which 
evil  men  cast  upon  you,  are  taken  by  the  Spirit  of  God  as  cast 
upon  himself.  "  On  their  part  he  is  evil  spoken  of^^  whenever  you 
speak  of  his  consolations  and  comfortable  assurances.  Only  let 
a  child  of  God  speak  of  the  Spirit  of  adoption  working  in  the 
children  of  God  a  filial  love  to  God  as  a  Father,  a  delight  in 
him,  and  dependence  upon  him  as  a  Pather ;  and  that  the  Spirit 
teaches  us  to  approach  him  as  a  Pather,  and  he  will  soon  be 
spoken  evil  of  on  their  part;  but  on  ''your  part  he  is  glorified 
Rom.  viii.  15,  16.  There  are  many  who  follow  Christ  while  they 
can  live  on  the  loaves  and  fishes,  who  forsake  him  when  they 
meet  with  trials  and  crosses. 


OF  DELIVERAKCE  FROM  OPPRESSlOISr. 


"  For  the  oppression  of  the  poor,  for  the  sighing  of  the  needy,  now  will  f 
arise,  saith  the  Lord;  I  will  set  him  in  safety  from  him  that  puffeth  at  him." 
— Ps.  xii.  5. 

'nr^HE  rich  have  many  friends;  while  the  jjoor  are  frequently 


X  oppressed,  and  perhaps  for  no  other  reason  than  because 
they  are  poor.  Bad  indeed  must  the  times  be,  when  oppression 
abounds,  and  impiety  unblushiugly  walks  without  a  mask,  under 
the  sanction  of  men  in  power.  When  the  poor  are  oppressed  and 
the  needy  crushed,  and  have  all  manner  of  wrong  done  them; 
when  they  are  not  in  a  capacity  to  help  themselves,  they  dare 
not  speak  for  themselves;  lest  their  defence  should  be  made 
an  offence.  But  being  tluis  bound  down  by  the  iron-hand  of  the 
oppressor,  they  secretly  bemoan  their  hard  lot,  and  ease  their 
troubled  hearts  by  sighing  before  God;  whose  ears  are  ever  open, 
not  only  to  their  cries,  but  also,  to  their  sighs:  Ps.  xxxiv.  15. 
Should  any  one,  as  Moses  did,  speak  to  their  oppressors  in  their 
behalf,  and  entreat  them  to  make  their  burden  lighter,  they  ptiff 
at  them,  as  though  it  was  a  matter  not  worth  ony  one^s  while 
troubling  themselves  about:  thus  making  light  of  their  own  sins, 
and  the  wretchedness  of  the  poor. 

Here  w^e  have  an  assurance  that  God  will,  in  due  time,  under- 
take the  cause,  and  work  deliverance  for  the  oppressed.  1st 
Now  saith  the  Lord;  when  the  oppressors  are  in  the  height  of 
their  pride  and  insolence;  when  the  oppressed  are  in  the  depth 
of  distress  and  despondency,  ''will  I  arise: I  will  arise  as  I  did 
w^hen  Pharaoh  was  most  elevated,  and  Israel  most  dejected:  Exod. 
iii.  7-10.  I  will  arise  and  do  it,  as  sure  as  I  have  said  it,  when 
the  set  time  arrives:  Ps.  cii.  13.  2d.  ''  I  will  set  liimi^i  safety;'^ 
burst  his  bonds;  restore  to  him  his  liberty;  gave  him  prosperity; 
and  protect  him;  so  that  he  shall  have  no  cause  to  complain  of 
his  past  sufferings;  nor  fear  being  carried  back  to  him  that  now 
''puffeth  at  him:  Jer.  xxxii.  37-44.  Trust  in  the  Lord  ye  sigh- 
ing-ones:  "  He  giveth  power  to  the  faint;  and  to  them  who  have 
no  might  he  increaseth  strength:  Isa.  xl.  29.  Be  not  distressed 
at  your  calamities;  but  submit  to  your  lot;  resolving  rather  to 
die,than  to  sin  against  God:  for  "  He  shall  judge  the  poor  of  the 
people,  and  shall  save  the  children  of  the  nee/hj,'' 


OP  DKLTVKRAKCE  PROM  OPPRKSSTOK.  75 

*' Wh9  went  about  doing  good,  and  healing  all  that  were  oppressed."—- 
Acts  X.  38. 

CHILDREN  of  calamity,  let  your  cliief  concern  be  to  love, 
adore,  and  trust  a  faithful  God;  with  grateful,  honest 
hearts,  acknowledge  the  benedictions  of  His  providence;  and 
receive  your  afflictions  at  his  hand,  as  blessings  in  disguise. 
Think  never  the  worse  of  Christ  because  of  those,  who  in  words, 
profess  liim,  but  in  works  deny  him:  Titus  i.  16.  If  any  man 
have  not  the  Spirit  of  Christ, whatever  his  profession  might  be, 
he  is  none  of  his:'^  Eom.  viii.  9.  And  whoever  possesses  his 
Spirit,  treads  in  his  steps;  are  meek,  lowly,  humble,  peaceable, 
and  charitable,  as  he  was.  Observe, 

1st.  The  conduct  of  Jesus  Christ ;  He  loent  about  doing  good.^^ 
He  enabled  the  lame  to  walk,  the  blind  to  see,  the  deaf  to  hear ; 
the  lepers  he  cleansed,  the  dead  he  raised,  and  preached  the 
gospel  to  the  poor  :  Matt.  xi.  5.  All  his  miracles  were  truly 
benevolent ;  and  designed  to  promote  human  comfort.  ISTor  was 
he  less  mindful  of  the  souls  of  men.  He  instructed  the  ignorant 
in  the  doctrines  and  duties  of  true  religion  :  Luke  xix.  47.  He 
reproved  the  guilty,  and  warned  the  careless,  while  he  encouraged 
the  faithful  to  persevere :  See  Matt,  xxiii.  He  preached  deliver- 
ance to  the  captives,  and  liberty  to  the  bruised :  Luke  iv.  18. 
He  not  only  granted  the  requests  of  all  who  applied  to  him  for 
relief,  but,  "he  went  about  doing  good.''  And  to  accomplish  his 
merciful  designs,  he  frequently  had  to  endure  hunger,  thirst,  and 
weariness.    His  whole  life  was  one  continued  act  of  doing  good. 

2d.  His  impartial  benevolence ;  "  Healing  all  that  ivere  op- 
pressed,'^^ The  pressing  wants  and  painful  necessities  of  men, 
excited  his  tender  compassion ;  w^hile  all  his  acts  w^ere  directed 
to  the  glory  of  his  Father  :  John  viii.  49,  54.  Many  seek  the 
praise  of  men,  in  their  acts  of  charity ;  He  sought  the  honor  of 
God ;  they  aim  at  their  own  glory ;  but  he  at  his  creatures'  good ; 
they  are  partial  to  a  few ;  but  he  was  good  to  all.  And  for  the 
comfort  of  the  oppressed,  be  it  ever  borne  in  mind,  that  what  he 
once  was,  he  now  is  :  Heb.  xiii.  8.  The  conduct  of  the  oppres- 
sors is  sadly  at  variance  with  the  spirit  of  the  gospel,  which 
breathes  pure  love. 


76 


OF  DELIVERAKCE  FROM  DEATH. 


"  The  Lord  killeih  and  maketh  alive ;  he  bringeth  down  to  the  grave,  and 
bringeth  up."  —  1  Sam.  ii.  6. 

STUDY  to  keep  your  eye  of  faith  fixed  upon  Christ,  a  sense 
of  his  love  in  your  heart,  and  a  hope  of  glory  in  your  soul ; 
and  you  will  be  but  little  concerned  about  death.    For,  observe, 

1st.  None  die  by  chance  ;  no,  not  even  the  poor  sparrow ;  it  is 
the  Christian's  God  that  gives  to  every  arrow  of  death  its  com- 
mission. "  The  Lord  Mlleth;^^  so  that  death  does  no  more  than 
the  Lord  bids  him ;  for  the  keys  of  death  are  kept  by  Christ ; 
and,  until  he  opens  the  gates,  none  can  pass  through  them: 
Eev.  i.  18. 

2d.  The  Lord  "  maketh  alive  ; ''  when  men  are  born  into  the 
world,  it  is  the  Lord  that  makes  them  to  live ;  and  though  we 
know  not  the  way  of  the  spirit,  we  know  it  proceeds  from  the 
Father  of  spirits  :  Eccl.  xii.  7.    He  maketh  alive  :  Ps.  xxxi.  23. 

3d.  "  He  bringeth  doivn  to  the  grave some  who  have  youth  and 
beauty  blooming  on  every  feature,  without,  perhaps,  an  hour's 
warning;  while  others  gradually  consume  away,  or,  by  raging 
fever  have  the  springs  of  life  dried  up.  By  ways  unnumbered, 
he  bringeth  down  to  the  grave.  And, 

4th.  He  '^bringeth  up^^  from  the  grave,  those  who  appeared 
just  ready  to  fall  into  it ;  and  even  after  the  skill  of  the  most 
skilful  physician  has  been  baffled,  restores  them  to  perfect  health  : 
2  Cor.  i.  8-10.  Why  should  you,  then,  be  afraid  of  death  ?  Can 
anything  be  too  hard  for  the  Lord  ?  Is  he  not  able  to  clothe  and 
quicken  dry  bones  ?  Ezek.  xxxvii.  1-10.  You  may  be  very  sick  ; 
and  your  sickness  not  be  unto  death.  The  shafts  of  death  may 
be  flying  thick  around  you ;  but  not  one  of  them  can  come  near 
you,  till  appointed  by  your  heavenly  Father ;  and  he  will  never 
suffer  you  to  die,  while  he  sees  it  will  be  good  for  you  to  live. 
Look  not  upon  death  as  an  enemy;  but  as  a  messenger  which 
your  indulgent  Father  has  promised  to  send  to  unlock  your  prison 
door,  fetch  you  out  of  exile,  and  put  it  in  your  power  to  return 
to  your  native  home,  where  an  incorruptible  inheritance  awaits 
your  arrival.  Death  may  kill  you ;  but  cannot  harm  you.  Death 
can  only  let  you  into  life. 


OF  DELIVERANCE  FROM  DEATH. 


77 


And  deliver  them,  who,  through  fear  of  death,  were  all  their  life-time  sub* 
ject  to  bondage.''  — Heb.  ii.  15. 

JACOB  loved  his  Benjamin  so  well^  that  "  his  life  was  bound 
up  in  the  lad's  life :  "  Gen.  xliv.  30.  And  Jonathan  was  so 
united  to  David,  that  "  he  loved  him  as  he  loved  his  own  soul : 
1  Sam.  XX.  17.  And  such  is  the  love  of  a  Christian,  that  his  life 
is  bound  up  in  the  life  of  Jesus,  who  loved  us  better  than  life. 
He  took  upon  him  to  avenge  our  wrongs ;  conquered  our  invinci- 
ble foes ;  and  gained  a  complete  victory  for  us,  over  Satan,  sin, 
and  death.  Hence,  to  the  Christian,  it  is  worse  than  death  to 
live  in  the  fear  of  death.  A  Christian  may  meet  the  messenger 
of  death  with  a  holy  serenity  of  mind ;  bidding  a  holy  defiance 
to  death,  as  blessed  Paul ;  0  death  where  is  thy  sting  f  because 
there  is  no  evil  in  it  to  him ;  death  can  never  separate  him  from 
the  love  of  God ;  and  therefore  cannot  be  considered  a  real 
enemy  ;  true,  it  kills  the  body,  but  cannot  touch  the  soul.  The 
God  whom  you  serve  in  life,  will  be  with  you  in  death  ;  and  con- 
duct you  safely  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death :  Ps. 
xxiii.  4.  You  are  not  in  the  hands  of  death ;  but  in  the  hands 
of  Christ ;  who  hath  settled  all  disputes,  and  made  up  the  breach 
that  sin  had  made  between  you  and  God  :  2  Cor.  v.  18,  19.  He 
died  and  conquered  death,  that  he  might  deliver  them,  ^^who, 
through  fear  of  death/'  while  in  life,  could  not  enjoy  the  blessings 
he  purchased  for  them,  being  all  their  life-time  subject  to  bond- 
age.'^ He  has  often  delivered  you  when  others  have  fallen 
around  you ;  yea,  and  he  will  deliver  you.  Death  may  be  riding 
in  triumph,  but  that  is  no  proof  he  will  triumph  over  you.  ^'  A 
thousand  shall  fall  at  thy  side,  and  ten  thousand  at  thy  right 
hand,  but  it  shall  not  come  nigh  thee  :  Ps.  xci.  7.  You  have 
both  life  and  hope  in  Christ ;  therefore,  you  are  safe  :  Eom.  viii. 
38,  39.  Justice  demanded  your  life ;  but  Christ  has  fully  satis- 
fied every  demand,  by  laying  down  his  life  to  take  up  yours :  Gal. 
iii.  10,  13.  And  this  he  did,  not  only  to  deliver  you  from  death, 
but  the  fear  of  death.  Your  fears  are  groundless ;  give  them  to 
the  winds  ;  for  you  cannot  die  till  your  Avork  is  done  below,  and 
death  obtains  permission  from  your  Father  who  reigns  above' 
Ps.  cxvL  15, 


CHAPTER  III. 

PROMISES  OF  SPIRITUAL  BLESSINGS  IN  THIS  LIFE. 
OF  JUSTIFICATION. 

"  By  his  knowledge  shall  my  righteous  servant  justify  many ;  for  he  shall 
bear  their  iniquities."  —  Isa.  liii.  11. 

THIS,  indeed,  is  a  precious  promise !  Poor,  sin-sick  soul,  the 
Spirit  of  truth,  the  blessed  Comforter,  here  holds  forth  an 
infallible  remedy  for  you  to  look  to  for  peace  of  conscience,  and 
healing  of  your  wounded  soul.  Jesus,  the  beloved  Son  of  God, 
took  upon  him  your  nature,  without  sin ;  and  in  that^  nature,  had 
all  your  sins  laid  upon  him ;  was  cursed  by  the  law ;  wounded, 
bruised,  and  put  to  death  by  divine  justice;  that,  all  your  sins 
being  found  upon  him  :  1  Pet.  ii.  24  ;  you  might  be  set  at  liberty : 
Gal.  iii.  13 ;  and  your  soul  as  perfectly  healed,  as  though  it  had 
never  been  wounded  by  sin.  By  his  knowledge, by  the  knowl- 
edge of  Jesus,  the  righteous  servant  of  God,  many  poor  sinners 
shall  be  justified,  who,  by  the  law,  were  condemned :  Gal.  iii.  10. 
And  why  ?  "for  he  shall  hear  their  iniquities^  Sin  is  a  mortal 
disease ;  and  the  soul  must  die  of  it  unless  it  be  removed ;  and 
there  is  no  way  of  healing  the  soul,  without  sin,  the  cause  of  the 
disease,  be  taken  away.  This  has  been  done;  the  Eedeemer 
hare  their  iniquities  in  his  own  body  on  the  tree ;  whose  ? 
the  iniquities  of  "  manyJ^  "  For,  as  by  one  man's  disobedience, 
(Adam,)  many  were  made  sinners,  so  by  the  obedience  of  one, 
(Jesus,)  shall  many  be  made  righteous : ''  Eom.  v.  19.  Hence  it 
is,  that  Christ,  standing  in  the  sinners'  stead,  with  their  iniqui- 
ties upon  him,  they  are  freed ;  while  he,  on  whom  their  sins  are 
found,  is  condemned ;  for    he  bare  the  sin  of  many." 


OF  JUSTIFICATION. 


79 


"And  by  him  all  that  believe  are  justified  from  all  things,  from  which  ye 
could  not  be  justified  by  the  law  of  Moses.''  —  Acts  xiii.  39. 

AS  one  leak  would  sink  a  ship,  so  would  one  sin  sink  a  soul, 
were  it  not  removed.  We  have  all  sinned;  and  the  law 
curses  every  one  who  trangresses  it,  though  it  be  but  once  :  Gal. 
iii.  10 ;  so  that  by  the  moral  law  of  Moses,  all  are  condemned : 
Eom.  iii.  20 ;  and  our  souls  are  too  deeply  stained,  to  be  cleansed 
by  the  blood  of  bulls  and  goats ;  which  renders  it  impossible  for 
the  ceremonial  law  to  justify  us.  But  Jesus  Christ  ^^hath  ap- 
peared to  put  away  sin  by  the  sacrifice  of  himself :     Heb.  ix.  26 ; 

He  bare  our  sins  in  his  own  body  on  the  tree  ;  fulfilled  the 
law  we  had  broken  ;  and  is  now  the  end  of  the  law  for  righteous- 
ness, to  every  one  that  believeth  :  Eom.  x.  4 :  so  that  justice  itself 
proclaims  its  own  faithfulness,  in  forgiving  and  cleansing  the  sin- 
ner :  1  J ohn  i.  9.  When  Christ  became  our  surety,  all  our  sins,* 
which  he  called  debts,  were  placed  to  his  account ;  so  that  there 
was  a  complete  transfer  of  our  sins  to  him ;  and  by  him  all  that 
believe,^^  having  his  righteousness  placed  to  their  account,  ai^e  jus- 
tified;^' not  only  pardoned,  but  stand  in  God's  sight  as  though 
they  had  never  known  what  sin  was.  He  being  of  God  made 
unto  us  wisdom,  and  righteousness,  and  sanctification,  and  redemp- 
tion : ''  1  Cor.  i.  30.  Hence,  it  is,  '^by  him,''  and  him  alone,  we 
are  justified  ''from  all  things;"  he  completed  his  work,  and  fin- 
ished all  that  his  Father  gave  him  to  do  :  J  ohn  xvii.  4 ;  and  all 
that  believe,  know  that  they  could  never  be  saved  by  the  deeds 
of  the  law ;  but  have  the  witness  in  themselves,  that  they  are 
justified,  1  John  v.  10,  and  that  by  faith  in  his  blood,  Eom.  v.  1-9, 
"  from  all  things  from  which  they  could  not  be  justified  by  the 
law  of  Moses  :  "  Gal.  ii.  16.  This  is  truly  a  marvellous  way  of 
saving  sinners  !  But  it  is  God's  way.  The  lovers  of  sin  care 
nothing  about  it ;  the  proud  and  self-righteous  reject  it ;  the  hum- 
ble, helpless,  penitent  souls,  rejoice  in  it,  and  give  to  Christ  the 
glory  of  it.  Eely  upon  Christ  alone,  make  his  word  your  rule, 
and  his  Spirit  your  guide.  Try  the  foundation  upon  which  your 
hopes  are  built.  Great  sins  may  be  hid  under  great  duties.  Be- 
lieve in,  and  rest  upon,  Christ  alone  j  and  then  you  need  not  fear 
Moses,  nor  his  law. 


80 


OF  JUSTIFICATION. 


"In  the  Lord  shall  all  the  seed  of  Israel  be  Justified,  and  shall  glory 

Isa  xlv.  25. 

THERE  is  nothing  more  natural,  than  for  the  unrenewed  to 
trust  in  their  own  strength,  and  glory  in  their  own  righteous- 
ness. But  when  a  poor  soul  becomes  truly  awakened,  and  made 
sensible  of  his  utter  helplessness ;  and  feels  the  plague  of  his  own 
heart,  his  language  is,  I  have  no  confidence  in  the  flesh."  Here 
we  have, 

1st.  The  Believer's  source  of  justification.  "  In  the  Lord  shall 
all  the  seed  of  Israel  be  justified.^^  Not  only  all  the  people  of 
the  Jews,  but  also  all  true  Christians,  who  depend  upon  Christ 
for  strength  and  righteousness,  shall  be  justified  in  him,  in  as 
much  as  they  are  the  "seed  of  Israel a  believing,  upright, 
praying  seed ;  and  on  his  account  are  justified  before  God  :  1  Cor. 
i.  30.  Thus  the  Lord  will  make  good  his  promise  to  faithful 
Abraham  :  Gen.  xxvi.  4  ;  and  have  all  justified  "  in  the  Lord :  " 
Titus  iii.  7.  It  is  God  that  justifieth ;  who  is  he  that  condemn- 
eth  ?  it  is  Christ  that  died  :  Eom.  viii.  33,  34.  The  feeblest  lamb 
in  the  flock  of  Christ,  is  equally  dear  to  the  Lord  as  the  strongest 
believer. 

2d.  The  great  duty  of  believers  is,  to  glory  in  the  Lord ;  and 
make  all  their  boast  of  him.  The  work  is  the  Lord's  ;  no  man  can 
renew  himself :  Job  xiv.  4 ;  nor  atone  for  himself :  Eom.  iii.  19, 
20  ;  nor  keep  himself :  1  Pet.  i.  5.  Erom  first  to  last,  the  work  be- 
longs to  God ;  and  the  least  that  we  can  do,  is,  whilst  we  are  en- 
joying the  profits,  to  let  him  have  all  the  glory. Your  being  weak 
in  faith,  and  feeling  the  workings  of  carnal  nature,  human  reason, 
and  unbelief,  is  no  proof  that  you  are  not  justified  in  the  Lord ; 
but,  on  the  contrary,  are  evidences  of  the  soul  being  alive 
through  the  faith  of  Jesus.  And  the  same  Spirit  who  begets 
faith  in  the  heart  by  the  word  of  truth,  James  i.  18,  will  also 
strengthen  your  faith  by  the  same ;  for  Jesus  delights  in  making 
all  his  members  happy,  as  well  as  secure.  And  God  has  pawned 
his  faithfulness  for  the  security  of  his  goodness  :  Ezek.  xxxiii.  11. 
What  more  can  he  say,  or  do,  than  what  he  has  said  and  done  ? 
Who  was  it  convinced  you  of  your  sins,  but  the  very  God  against 
whom  you  have  sinned  ?  and  who  now  declares,  that  "  all  the 
seed  of  Israel  shall  be  justifie^^-- 


OF  JXTSTIFICATION. 


81 


"  Therefore,  being  Justified  by  faith,  we  have  peace  with  God,  through  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.''  —  Rom.  v.  1. 

GOD  created  man  in  his  own  image ;  wise,  holy,  and  happy ; 
and  made  him  lord  of  all  that  was  in  the  air,  earth,  and 
sea :  Gen.  i.  27,  28 :  and,  as  his  rightful  Sovereign,  gave  him  just 
such  a  law  as  seemed  him  good :  Gen.  ii.  15-17.  Man  violated 
that  law,  the  penalty  of  which  was  death.  "Wherefore,  as  by 
one  man  sin  entered  into  the  world,  and  death  by  sin ;  and  so 
death  passed  upon  all  men,  for  that  all  have  sinned :  Eom.  v.  12. 
And  sin  being  a  trangression  of  the  law,  1  John  iii.  4,  brought 
all  under  a  curse ;  but  "  Christ  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curse 
of  the  law,  being  made  a  curse  for  us  :  Gal.  iii.  10,  13.  "  TJiere- 
fore/^  on  this  account,  Christ  having  been  delivered  up  for  our 
offences,  and  raised  again  for  our  justification;  by  the  merit  of 
his  death  he  paid  our  debt;  in  his  resurrection  he  took  our 
acquittance;  when  in  the  grave  he  lay  as  our  surety  under  an 
arrest :  on  the  third  day  a  messenger  was  sent  to  roll  away  the 
stone ;  the  prisoner  was  discharged,  and  full  proof  given  thereby, 
that  he  had  made  satisfaction.  So  that  it  is  not  for  our  works, 
but  by  an  obedient  dependence  upon  Jesus  Christ  and  his  right- 
eousness, that  we  are  saved.  Therefore,  "  being  justijied  by  faitli,'^ 
as  Abraham,  whose  faith  was  accounted  to  him  for  righteousness  : 
Kom.  iv.  22 ;  all  guilt  is  taken  away.  Sin  made  us  to  quarrel 
with  God;  and  filled  our  hearts  with  enmity  to  him:  Eom. 
viii.  7.  But,  by  faith,  we  who  are  without  strength,  take  hold 
on  God's  arm,  rely  on  his  strength,  and  so  are  at  peace  with  him : 
Isa.  xxvii.  4,  5.  Hence,  ''we  Jiave  peace  tvitJi  God;^'  and  nothing 
but  friendship  and  loving  kindness  exists.  When  Abraham  be- 
came justified  by  faith,  God  was  pleased  to  call  him  his  friend: 
James  ii.  23.  Jesus  called  his  disciples  friends :  John  xv.  13-15; 
and  what  more  can  any  one  desire  than  to  have  God  for  his 
friend  ?  But  all  this  blessedness  comes  ''tJiroiigh  our  Lord  Jesus 
CJirist:^^  he  is  the  only  peace-maker,  peace-bringer,  and  peace- 
giver  ;  and  the  only  way  of  access  to  God :  John  xiv.  6.  And  is 
now  our  Mediator  between  God  and  man:  1  Tim.  ii.  5.  Hence, 
God  is  the  source,  Jesus  the  Axitlior^  faith  the  means,  and  peace 
t\iefruitj  of  our  justification. 


82 


OF  PAKDON  OF  SIN. 


*'Who  forgiveih  all  thy  iniquities;  who  healeth  all  thy  diseases.*'  —  Ps. 

ciii.  3. 

QilN  is  the  soul's  disease;  and  its  effects  on  the  soul  greatly 


kJ  resemble  the  effects  of  disease  on  the  body.  The  nature  of 
this  disease  is  truly  deplorable,  and  can  never  be  cured  by  the  art 
of  man.  Observe, 

1st.  Sin  is  a  moral  disease.  It  affects  mankind  as  moral  and 
responsible  creatures;  it  has  destroyed  original  purity;  driven 
happiness  from  our  world ;  and  in  its  place  introduced  misery 
and  affliction.  It  has  darkened  the  understanding,  perverted  the 
will,  defiled  the  conscience,  and  alienated  the  affections  from  God : 
Eph.  iv.  18.  2d.  It  is  a  universal  disease.  Every  power,  pas- 
sion, and  faculty,  of  body  and  soul,  are  disordered  by  it ;  and-  its 
baneful  influence  has  spread  through  the  whole  mass  of  mankind, 
in  every  nation  and  clime.  The  whole  head  is  sick,  and  the 
whole  heart  is  faint:  Isa.  i.  5,  6.  From  the  greatest  monarch, 
to  the  meanest  peasant,  all  have  felt  its  effects :  Ps.  li.  5.  3d. 
Sin  is  a  mortal  disease.  It  brings  death  with  unnumbered  woes 
attending  in  its  train.  All  men  by  it  are  rendered  subject  to 
pain  and  dissolution  of  body:  Gen.  iii.  19.  It  brings  spiritual 
death  to  the  soul,  and  separates  between  God  and  man :  Eph.  ii. 
1-3.  While  its  wages  is  death :  Eom.  vie  23.  And  vain  is  the 
help  of  man. 

Behold  the  goodness  of  our  God !  He  against  whom  we  have 
sinned  has  undertook  our  case ;  and  appointed  Jesus  Christ  a 
Physician,  for  the  cure  of  "all  our  diseases''^  and  maladies :  Luke 
iv.  18,  19.  And  he  is,  1st.  An  accessible  Physician.  All  are  in- 
vited to  him,  with  the  assurance  of  being  admitted:  John  vi.  37. 
2d.  He  is  an  infallible  Physician.  Xone  are  too  sick  for  him  to 
3ure :  no  case  with  him  is  desperate :  Heb.  vii.  25.  And  3d.  He 
is  the  only  appointed  Physician.  All  others  are  but  quacks ;  and 
their  prescriptions  dangerous ;  for  there  is  none  other  under 
heaven  given  among  men  whereby  we  must  be  saved : "  Acts  iv. 
12.  4th.  He  is  a  benevolent  Physician,  and  performs  all  his  cures 
gratis;  without  money  and  without  price,'^  all  are  invited  to 
come  and  be  healed :  Matt.  xi.  28,  29.  It  is  the  very  nature  of 
God  to  be  full  of  compassion  and  tenderness ;  and  the  believer 
knows,  that  He  forgiveth  their  iniquities. 


OF  PARDON  OF  SIN. 


83 


"  /  will  be  merciful  to  their  unrighteousness,  and  their  sins  and  their  iniqui- 
ties will  I  remember  no  more.''  —  Heb.  viii.  12. 

O  AD  experience  daily  teaches  the  believer  in  Jesus,  that,  though 


KJ  he  cannot  live  in  sin,  he  feels  sin  living  in  him:  Eom.  vii. 
23.  And  this  corrupt  fountain  is  too  frequently  sending  forth  its 
polluted  streams,  to  the  great  annoyance  of  our  souls.  It  is  the 
Christian's  greatest  trouble  to  be  annoyed  by  sin;  and  his  un- 
speakable comfort  to  know  that  God  has  always  delighted  in  par- 
doning sin ;  and  that  he  still  makes  himself  known,  as  the  "  Lord 
God,  gracious  and  merciful.''    Listen  to  him  !    He  declares, 

1st.  I IV ill  be  merciful  neither  shall  the  greatness  of  their 
crimes,  nor  the  censures  of  man  prevent  it:  I  will  freely  pardon; 
not  on  account  of  any  worth  or  merit  on  their  part ;  I  will,  for  my 
mercies'  sake,    be  merciful  to  their  unrighteousness : "    Isa.  i.  18. 

And  tlieir  sins/^  let  them  be  of  what  kind  soever  they  may,  yea-, 
though  they  may  be  great  sins,  foul  sins,  aggravated  sins,  even 
all  unrighteousness,  shall  be  forgiven  and  forgotten.  I  will  be 
merciful,  for  I  am  God ;  keeping  mercy  for  thousands ; "  and 
delight  in  forgiving  iniquity,  transgression,  and  sin : "  Exod.  xxxiv. 
7.  2d.  I  will,"  not  only  forgive,  but  forget ;  for  their  sins  and 
their  iniquities  ivill  I  remember  no  moreJ^  What  tongue  can  de- 
scribe the  blessings  connected  with  pardoning  mercy  ?  Sin  calls 
aloud  for  vengeance ;  pardon  prevents  it ;  sin  makes  way  for  every 
evil ;  pardon  opens  a  door  for  every  good ;  sin  brings  wretchedness 
and  death ;  pardon  brings  happiness  and  life :  Eom.  vi.  23 ;  1  Pet. 
i.  2,  3. 

Poor,  trembling  Christian,  be  assured  of  it,  thy  enemies  are  all 
conquered;  notwithstanding,  every  day's  experience  convinces 
thee  they  are  not  all  dead.  Sin  is  a  bitter  enemy,  and  so  nearly 
allied  to  thee,  thou  mayest  consider  it  a  part  of  thyself;  yet, 
being  one  with  thy  Saviour,  thou  hast  a  spiritual  life  in  him ;  and 
almighty  power  is  engaged  in  thy  defence ;  so  that  sin  shall  not 
have  dominion  over  thee :  Eom.  vi.  14.  But  never  think  of 
sheathing  thy  sword,  and  folding  thy  hands,  lest  Satan  gain  an 
advantage  over  thee ;  for  thou  art  still  in  the  camp,  surrounded  by 
enemies,  and  thy  only  dependence  is  upon  thy  Captain. 


84 


OF  PARDON  OF  SIN. 


"Come  now,  and  lei  us  reason  together,  sa/th  the  Lord;  though  your  sins 
be  as  scarlet,  they  shall  be  as  white  as  snow  ;  though  they  be  red  like  crimson, 
they  shall  be  as  wool.''  —  Isa.  i.  18. 

"  /^OME,"  sinner,  just  as  you  are,  with  all  your  guilt  and 
consequent  wretchedness ;  though  deeply  stained  with 
crime,  and  weltering  in  your  blood !  "  Gome^^  I  have  opened  a 
fountain  for  sin  and  uncleanness,  in  which  you  can  wash  and  be 
cleansed:  Zech.  xiii.  1.  But  do  not  delay;  for  the  longer  you 
stay  away  the  worse  you  will  get;  therefore  ''come  now and 
your  being  a  great  sinner  will  afford  me  an  opportunity  of  prov- 
ing to  you,  that  I  am  a  greater  Saviour :  Matt.  ix.  12.  Do  not 
listen  to  my  enemies,  nor  reason  with  flesh  and  blood,  nor  hold 
any  conference  with  Satan,  for  he  is  your  accuser ;  but  "  let  us/' 
who  are  the  only  parties  properly  concerned,  "reason  together 
let  us  debate  the  matter  fairly  and  fully;  and  then,  I  have  no 
a^rubt  but  you  will  acknowledge  all  my  ways  to  be  right:  Ps. 
cxlv.  17.  My  ungrateful  enemies  represent  me  as  a  ^^hard  mas- 
ter;" acd  would  persuade  you  that  you  are  a  sinner  too  great  for 
me  to  pardon ;  and  thus  fill  thy  poor  soul  with  legal  fears,  and 
slavish  dread;  but  hearken  not  unto  them.  True,  thou  hast 
broken  my  righteous  law;  but  I  have  redeemed  thee  from  the 
curse  of  the  law:  Gal.  iii.  10-13;  and  thou  hast  destroyed  thy- 
self, but  in  me  is  thy  help:  Hos.  xiii.  9.  It  is  true,  thou  hast 
committed  crimes  of  the  most  flagrant  nature,  deep  ''as  scarleV'  in 
their  dye ;  but  let  not  that  keep  thee  from  me ;  all  are  atoned  for ; 
and  "they  shall  he  ivJiite  as  snoivJ^  You  may  be  ready  to  say  you 
have  lain  so  long  in  your  sins,  and  so  steeped  in  guilt,  that  you 
are  dyed,  even  "like  crimson All  that  is  true  ;  but  the  blood  of 
my  Son,  Jesus,  cleanses  from  all  sin,  and  will  change  them  all  to 
the  most  perfect  whiteness  :  yea,  they  shall  be  "  white  as  snow^ 
and  wooiy  Do  not  doubt ;  for  though  I  am  just,  I  am  the  justi- 
fier  of  him  that  believeth  in  Jesus  :  Eom.  iii.  26.  Come,  and  be 
made  happy  in  my  love  ;  I  am  just  in  forgiving  thy  sins  :  1  John 
i.  9.  Leave  behind  you  all  your  duties,  humblings,  and  holiness, 
and  come  to  me  with  all  your  sins,  guilt,  and  wretchedness ;  and 
prove  that  I  am  able  and  willing  to  pardon,  cleanse,  and  bless 
you  ;  but  "  come  nowJ' 


OF  PAKDON  OF  SIN. 


85 


Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you 
resf."  — Matt.  xi.  28. 

r  I  iHE  carnal  Jews  labored  hard  to  recommend  themselves  to 


Eom.  X.  3.  And^  in  the  days  of  Jesus^  bound  still  heavier  bur- 
dens upon  the  shoulders  of  others,  than  they  themselves  were 
willing  to  bear,  and  which  Christ  calls  a  ''yoTce.^^  And,  it  is  to 
be  lamented,  there  are  still  those  who  are  called  Christians,  who 
are  no  less  sanguine  in  their  expectations  of  being  saved  by 
their  own  endeavors ;  hence,  they  toil  and  labor  to  cancel  their 
debt,  and  atone  for  their  sins ;  and  thus  obtain  that  heaven  they 
are  conscious  they  have  forfeited ;  not  knowing  that  Jesus  is  the 
only  way  to  the  Father  :  J ohn  xiv.  6, 

Do  thy  corruptions  harass  thee  ?  do  sinful  passions  annoy 
thee  ?  do  temptations  beset  thee  ?  are  thy  sins  a  burden  to  thee  ? 
Hark !  Thy  Saviour  speaks  to  thee.  He  calls  thee  to  him. 
Listen  to, 

1st.  His  gracious  invitation,  Come  unto  me^  He  pities  your 
condition;  and,  after  all  you  have  done,  kindly  invites  you  to 
himself.  There  can  be  no  mistake ;  it  is  you  he  calls  ;  he  means 
you,  it  is  evident,  for  he  describes  your  condition.  "  Come  unto 
me,  all  ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy  laden  your  burden  is  heavy, 
but  I  am  both  able  and  willing  to  bear  it ;  cast  it  upon  me  :  Ps. 
Iv.  22.  Come,  and  bring  nothing  with  you  but  your  burden  and 
miseries ;  all  your  tugging  and  toiling  is  in  vain ;  your  load 
becomes  heavier,  and  you  grow  weaker  by  keeping  away.  Come^ 
I  am  your  Saviour :  Luke  xix.  10 ;  your  friend :  John  xv.  15 ; 
and  will  in  no  wise  cast  you  out :  John  vi.  37. 

2d.  The  blessing  promised,  "  /  will  give  you  restJ^  Did  T  ever 
give  you  any  cause  to  doubt  my  willingness  ?  Why  not  come, 
then  ?  Doubt  no  more  ;  believe,  and  thou  shalt  be  saved  :  Mark 
xvi.  15.  My  name  is  Jesus  ;  and  my  delightful  business  is,  to 
save  sinners  from  their  sins  :  Matt.  i.  21.  I  will not  only 
"  give  you  rest "  now^  but  shall  be  pleased  to  have  you  call  upon 
me  at  any  future  period.  I  will  use  all  my  influence  in  Court 
on  your  behalf ;  and  whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  the  Father  in  my 
name,  that  will  I  do :  John  xiv.  13;  14. 


observance  of  various  rites  and  ceremonies : 


86 


OF  PARDON  OF  SIN. 


"Look  unto  me,  and  be  ye  saved,  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  ;  for  I  am  God^ 
and  there  is  none  else/'  —  Isa.  xlv.  22. 

"AT  EVEE,  was  there  a  sensible  sinner  half  so  willing  to  be 


1  saved,  as  the  God  against  whom  he  has  sinned  is  to  save 
him :  Ezek.  xxxiii.  11.  "The  Lord  is  not  willing  that  any  should 
perish ;  but  that  all  should  come  to  repentance : "  2  Pet.  iii.  9. 
How  long,  fellow-sinner,  will  you  ponder  over  those  things  within 
and  around  you,  instead  of  looking  to  what  is  above  you  ?  From 
the  pride  of  our  nature^  and  the  unbelief  of  our  hearts,  we  are 
prompted  to  think  of  doing  something  to  procure  the  favor  of 
God,  forgetting  that  our  loving  God  is  not  the  cause,  but  the 
effect  of  his  love  to  us  :  1  John  iv.  19.  Close  your  ears  to  carnal 
reason,  and  unbelief ;  and  attend  to  the  gracious  invitation  here 
given,  by  a  gracious  God. 

''Look  unto  mer  I  am  the  God  whose  laws  you  have  broken, 
and  whose  goodness  you  have  despised ;  but  let  that  not  prevent 
your  looking  unto  me.  Sorrow  not  as  though  you  had  no  hope ; 
but  "look  unto  me,  and  he  ye  saved^  You  have  no  sin  but  what 
has  been  atoned  for  by  my  well-beloved  Son ;  you  need  no  per- 
fection but  what  his  righteousness  supplies.  I  love  you,  and  am 
well  pleased  with  you  for  his  sake.  Think  not  that  my  mercy 
is  limited :  for  unto  me  shall  all  flesh  come :  Ps.  Ixv.  2.  There- 
fore, "look  unto  me,  all  ye  ends  of  the  eartJi,^^  for  I  will  be  exalted 
among  the  heathen,  I  will  be  exalted  in  the  earth :  Ps.  xlvi.  10. 
"  I  have  sworn  by  myself,  the  word  has  gone  out  of  my  mouth 
in  righteousness,  that  unto  me  every  knee  shall  bow,  every  tongue 
shall  confess  :  Ver.  23.  "i^or  I  am  God,  and  there  is  none  else'^ 
so  fit  to  rule ;  nor  so  able  to  save ;  for  I  am  a  just  God  and  a  Sav- 
iour :  Ver.  21.  Do  not  pacify  your  troubled  conscience  by  external 
performances  ;  for  that  would  be  mistaking  the  means  of  grace 
for  grace  itself.  Many  have  fled  to  me  for  refuge,  and  have  laid 
hold  of  the  hope  I  set  before  them :  Heb.  vi.  18.  But,  should 
you  be  so  heavily  laden  with  guilt  that  you  cannot  fly,  run  with 
patience  the  race  set  before  you;  and  if  you  are  so  oppressed 
that  you  cannot  run,  walk  in  the  way  marked  out  for  you ;  and 
if  you  are  too  feeble  to  walk,  then  ''look  unto  me,  and  be  ye 
savedJ' 


OF  PARDON  OF  SIN. 


87 


"Blessed  are  they  that  mourn,  for  they  shall  be  comforted.''  —  Matt.  v.  4. 

GOD  is  no  respecter  of  persons :  Acts  x.  34  ;  yet  hath  he 
respect  unto  the  lowly :  Ps.  cxxxviii.  6.  Many  make  them- 
selves miserable,  in  striving  to  make  themselves  comfortable ;  and 
in  endeavoring  to  make  themselves  righteous,  fall  short  of  the 
righteousness  of  God :  E-om.  x.  3.  To  know  ourselves  to  be  lost 
and  undone  sinners,  destitute  of  righteousness,  to  be  feelingly 
alive  to  a  sense  of  our  condition,  and  to  believe  that  all  we  need 
is  in  Christ,  lies  at  the  very  foundation  of  true  godliness.  To 
desire  salvation  from  sin  in  God's  way,  and  to  mourn  after  it,  is 
peculiar  to  the  quickened  soul ;  for  the  dead  mourn  not ;  neither 
are  they  capable  of  receiving  comfort.  What  more  could  the 
Saviour  say  to  comfort  those  Avho  mourn  on  account  of  their 
sins,  than  here  he  has  said  ? 

1st.  He  does  not  say  they  shall  he  blessed ;  but  blessed  are 
they,^^  even  now.  Do  you  ask,  why  is  it  that  you  cannot  feel 
happy,  if  you  are  now  blessed  ?  The  reason  is,  because  you  do 
not  believe ;  and  you  cannot  receive  it  but  by  faith ;  for  it  is  by 
grace  you  are  saved  through  faith,  as  the  means :  Eph.  ii.  8. 
That  faith  which  unites  the  sinner  to  the  Saviour,  is  God's  gift ; 
but  you  must  ask  it  of  him,  and  he  will  give  it  to  you :  Matt.  vii. 
7.  He  will  also  give  you  power  to  exercise  it ;  but  will  not  be- 
lieve for  you ;  no,  that  is  your  act,  to  believe :  John  i.  12.  Neither 
can  you  be  happy  so  long  as  you  keep  on  believing  that  he  will 
bless  you;  for  by  so  doing  you  will  always  keep  the  blessing 
ahead  of  you :  Matt.  xxi.  22.  Believe  what  God  says,  that  you 
^^are  blessed,''  even  now ;  for  the  Lord's  time  is  yioio :  2  Cor.  vi.  2. 
Doubt  no  more.  For, 

2d.  He  declares  you  "shall  he  comforted ;  as  sure  as  mourning 
goes  before  comfort,  so  sure  does  comfort  follow  mourning.  Give 
God  your  whole  heart ;  and  he  will  give  you  a  whole  Saviour ; 
love  is  in  his  heart,  though  wrath  may  appear  in  his  conduct: 
Isa.  liv.  8.  Nature,  sense,  and  feeling,  write  bitter  things  against 
you,  Avhile  your  Saviour  loves  you.  0,  how  infinite  his  love ! 
his  salvation,  how  complete !  his  presence,  how  cheering !  his 
promises,  how  precious ! 


88 


TO  BACKSLIDERS. 


"/  will  heal  their  backsliding,  I  will  love  them  freely  "  —  Hosea  xiv.  4. 
)ETUR]Sr  unto  the  Lord  thy  God;  for  thou  hast  fallen  by 


soul,  and  prompted  by  your  natural  corruptions,  in  an  unguarded 
hour,  you  turned  your  back  upon  your  best,  your  only  real  friend; 
who,  though  you  have  acted  so  base  a  part,  is  not  willing  to  give 
you  up;  but  still  calls  after,  and  invites  you  to  return.  Satan 
may  suggest,  that  it  is  of  no  use  your  thinking  of  ever  obtain- 
ing a  sense  of  your  Father's  forgiving  love  again;  for  you  are 
too  great  a  sinner  for  God  to  forgive ;  seeing  you  have  not  only 
sinned  against  your  own  soul,  but  have  crucified  the  Son  of  God 
afresh,  and  put  him  to  an  open  shame.  It  is  true,  you  are  a 
great  sinner,  a  backsliding  sinner ;  and  all  such  are  the  worst  of 
sinners ;  yea,  and  the  Lord  knows  it ;  but  so  far  from  upbraiding 
or  threatening  you  on  account  of  it  is  he,  that  he  now  invites  and 
urges  upon  you  to  return.  Are  you  now  praying  God  to  take 
away  all  your  iniquity  ?  He  says,  I  will : Jer.  iii.  22.  You 
say,  I  am  deeply  wounded ;  the  Lord  says,  "  I  will  healJ^  Your 
soul  may  be  badly  diseased,  but  then,  it  is  not  incurable;  and  the 
greater  the  disease,  the  more  need  of  a  Physician :  Matt.  ix.  12. 
The  Lord  here  declares  your  case  is  not  hopeless,  and  that  you 
may  safely  rely  upon  his  goodness ;  and  trust  to  him  for  a  sound 
cure.  I  luill  heal  their  backsliding s.^^  Do  you  desire  that  the 
Lord  would  receive  you  graciously  ?  For  your  comfort,  he 
assures  you,  that  he  will  not  only  do  that,  but  ''will  love  yon 
freelyP  He  will  love  you  just  as  though  there  had  never  been 
anything  amiss  on  your  part:  Titus  iii.  5.  He  will  heal  your 
backslidings  by  applying  pardoning  mercy ;  receive  you  gra- 
ciously, as  a  tender  father  would  a  long-lost  son :  and  love  you 
freely  as  he  did  before  you  strayed.  Go,  poor,  backslidden  soul, 
go  at  thy  Maker's  call ;  parley  not  with  the  enemy ;  he  has  lied 
to  thee  formerly ;  and  will  do  it  again,  if  you  will  lend  him  your 
ears.  Your  having  wandered  from  God  has  made  no  change  in 
him ;  He  is  the  same  gracious  and  loving  God  now  he  ever  was ; 
do  your  first  works,  return  unto  him,  stay  with  him,  he  will  heal 
your  wounds,  and  lorn  you  f  reely. 


Instigated  by  the  enemy  of  your 


TO  BACKSLIDERS. 


89 


"All  manner  of  sin  and  blasphemy  shall  be  forgiven  unto  men.''  —  Matt. 


IK  is  our  hell :  but  Jesus,  the  Lamb  of  God,  taketh  away  our 


kJ/  siu ;  then  we  have  heaven  within  us  :  and  to  know,  believe 
in,  follow  and  obey  him,  constitutes  our  greatest  happiness  in 
this  life.  Do  not  be  discouraged ;  but  suffer  me  to  tell  you 
in  God's  name,  and  in  Christ's  stead,  2  Cor.  v.  20,  that  though 
your  sins  may  arise  like  mountains,  and  your  crimes  be  piled  to 
the  very  heavens,  mercy  is  as  free  for  you  as  the  air  you  breathe  : 
Matt.  ix.  13.  The  enemy  will,  no  doubt,  suggest,  that  you  have 
committed  the  "unpardonable  sin ; ''  that  you  have  sinned  against 
so  much  light,  sinned  with  so  high  a  hand,  slighted  so  much 
goodness,  grieved  the  Spirit  of  God  so  often,  resisted  so  many 
convictions,  treated  with  contempt  so  many  offers  of  grace,  and, 
both  in  word  and  deed,  done  all  that  in  you  lay  to  oppose  the 
cause  of  religion,  so  that  now  it  would  only  be  an  act  of  presump- 
tion even  to  attempt  to  seek,  or  hope  for  mercy.  But  believe  him 
not;  he  is  now  as  he  ever  was,  "a  liar  from  the  beginning.'^ 
Your  Saviour  says,  all  manner  of  sin,^^  though  ever  so  heinous 
in  its  nature,  though  committed  under  the  most  aggravating 
circumstances,  though  ever  so  often  repeated,  and  though  ever  so 
long  continued,  there  is  mercy  with  God  that  can  reach  it ;  yea, 
and  blasphemy/^  a  sin  which  strikes  directly  at  the  name  and 
honor  of  God,  "  sJiall  be  forgiven.^'  Mind  that.  Paul  was  at  one 
time  a  blasphemer ;  yet  he  obtained  mercy  :  1  Tim.  i.  13.  Peter 
obtained  mercy,  after  so  awfully  denying  his  Lord ;  and  so  will 
you,  if  you  but  ask  it ;  and  then  you  will  be  ready  to  say,  "  who 
is  a  God  like  unto  thee,  pardoning  iniquity?''  Micah  vii.  18. 
"  All  manner  of  sin  shall  be  forgiven  u7iio  men  ;  "  all  men,  of  all 
ranks  and  conditions.  This  is  love,  boundless  love ;  love  to  the 
whole  world :  1  John  ii.  2.  Cheer  up ;  look  at  yourself  as  a 
sinner :  but  look  at  Christ  as  a  Saviour.  Praise  God,  that  he 
kept  it  out  of  your  power  to  commit  one  sin  that  he  could  not 
pardon.  The  Spirit  of  God  is  still  striving  with  you;  or  you 
would  not  be  so  concerned  about  your  soul's  salvation ;  follow  his 
instructions ;  "  go  in  peace,  and  sin  no  more." 


xii.  31. 


90 


0}P  SALVATIOK  l^HROUGIt  CHRIST. 


''He  was  wounded  for  our  transgressions,  he  was  bruised  for  our  iniquii  es 
the  chastisement  of  our  peace  was  upon  him ;  and  with  his  stripes  we  at  e 
hea/ed.'* — Isa.  liii.  5. 


"ELL  may  the  apostle  Paul  say,    the  love  of  Christ  passeth 


^  ^  knowledge  :  Eph.  iii.  19 ;  for  he  was  born  unto  us  :  Isa. 
ix.  6 ;  gave  himself  for  us :  Eph.  v.  2 ;  was  delivered  up  for  us  : 
Eom.  viii.  32 ;  and  here  we  are  told,  he  was  ivounded  —  bruised 
—  chastised  —  and  striped.  But  why  so  cruelly  treat  him  ?  what 
harm  hath  he  done  ?  No  harm  ;  neither  was  guile  ever  found  in 
his  mouth  :  1  Pet.  ii.  22.  His  whole  life  was  one  continued  act 
of  benevolence.  He  "  went  about  doing  good  : Acts  x.  38.  Do 
you  ask  again,  for  what,  then,  did  he  suffer  all  this?  For  our 
transgressions ;  and  for  our  iniquities,  was  he  thus  wounded  and 
bruised;  to  atone  for  them,  and  purchase  salvation  for  us  :  2  Cor. 
V.  21.  When  man  had  sinned,  and  by  his  transgression  ruined 
himself  and  all  his  posterity,  the  adorable  Jesus  became  his 
surety,  stood  up  for  the  human  family,  and  engaged  in  their 
behalf.  And,  consequently,  all  o\ir  debts,  our  iniquities,  were 
imputed  to,  and  laid  upon  liim ;  "  he  bore  them  in  his  own  body 
on  the  tree : 1  Pet.  ii.  24;  and  the  very  wounds,  and  bruises, 
that  we  had  merited,  he  had  inflicted  upon  him.  And  having  put 
away  our  sins,  by  the  sacrifice  of  himself,  God  can  be  as  just  in 
saving  the  sinner,  as  he  was  in  afflicting  the  Saviour :  Rom.  iii. 
25,  26.  Thus  it  is  that  mercy  triumphs,  grace  reigns,  sinners  are 
saved,  and  saints  rejoice.  "  There  is  therefore  7iow  no  condemna- 
tion to  them  which  are  in  Christ  Jesus  ;  no ;  where  there  is  no 
sin  there  can  be  no  guilt :  Eom.  viii.  1.  The  believer  knows  that 
his  sins  have  been  laid  upon  Jesus  ;  therefore,  God  doth  not 
impute  them  to  the  sinner ;  but  to  the  Saviour  :  and  accounts,  or 
imputes,  righteousness  to  us  on  the  Saviour's  account :  Rom. 
iv.  6-8.  True,  thou  hast  committed  sins  innumerable ;  but  it  is 
equally  true,  that  Jesus  hath  been  wounded,  and  bruised  for 
them;  and  since  thy  surety  has  suffered  in  thy  stead,  thou  art 
free.  Hence  flows  thy  peace,  thy  holiness,  thy  heaven.  Christ 
was  wounded,  to  cure  our  wounds  ;  bruised,  to  restore  us  to  sound- 
ness ;  chastised,  that  we  might  go  free;  and  striped,  th:^.t  ice 
might  be  healed. 


OP  SALVATrOK  THiiOUGH  CHRIST. 


91 


**  Neither  is  there  salvation  in  any  other;  for  there  is  none  other  name  under 
heai^en  given  among  men  whereby  we  must  be  saved."  —  Acts  iv.  12. 

THE  cause  of  condemnation  is  sin ;  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ 
cleanses  from  all  sin :  1  John  i.  7 ;  and  he  having  by  the 
grace  of  God  tasted  death  for  every  man :  Heb.  ii.  9 ;  is  the 
Saviour  of  all  men,  especially  of  those  that  believe  :  1  Tim.  iv.  1 0. 
"  Neither  is  there  salvation  in  any  other  ;  for,  no  form,  no  creed, 
no  sect,  no  party,  can  avail  us  anything ;  but  faith  in  Jesus,  which 
works  by  love,  will  purify  the  heart,  and  avail  us  much  :  Gal.  v. 
6.  ^^For  there  is  no7ie  other  name  than  that  of  Jesus,  under 
heaven  given  among  men,^'  that  can  be  of  any  saving  benefit  to  us. 
We,  as  sinners,  have  destroyed  ourselves ;  and  have  not  the  least 
ability  to  save  ourselves  :  Hos.  xiii.  9.  But  our  dear  Saviour  has 
done  the  work  completely ;  he  made  full  satisfaction  to  law  and 
justice ;  freed  us  from  sin  and  death ;  and  restores  unto  us  our 
forfeited  peace  with  God.  You  may  feel  the  remains  of  corrupt 
nature  still  lurking  within ;  and  which,  too  frequently,  appear 
without,  causing  grief  to  your  soul ;  but  be  of  good  courage,  and 
pray  against  those  corruptions  of  the  heart ;  resting  assured,  that 
sin  shall  not  have  dominion  over  you ;  for  we  are  no  longer 
under  the  law,  but  under  grace.  What  then  ?  shall  we  sin, 
because  we  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace  ?  God  for- 
bid ! "  Eom.  vi.  14,  15.  Jesus  is  the  name  that  cheers  our  hearts, 
and  bids  our  fears  begone  ;  it  is  the  only  name  "'wherehy  ye  must 
be  savedJ^  There  is  none  other ;  neither  do  we  want  any  other ; 
for  that  name  is  great,  both  in  heaven  and  under  heaven :  ]\ratt. 
xxviii.  18.  He  had  this  name  given  among  men;^^  sinful  men, 
lost  men,  men  that  he  came  to  save ;  for  his  business  into  the 
world  was,  to  seek,  and  to  save,  that  which  was  lost:  Luke  xix. 
10.  And  it  is  certain,  that  he  did  not  return  without  finishing 
his  work :  John  xvii.  4 ;  xix.  30.  Stephen  died  calling  upon  this 
name:  Acts  vii.  60;  Paul  prayed,  and  received  answers  to  his 
prayers,  in  this  name  :  2  Cor.  xii.  8,  9 ;  and  so  have  millions ;  and 
so  will  millions  more :  Eom.  x.  11-13.  He  trod  the  winepress 
alone ;  and  he  saves  alone.  His  righteousness  alone,  will  ride 
triumphant ;  all  the  rest  must  come  tumbling  down. 


92 


OF  SALVATION  THROUGH  CHKIST. 


"In  that  day  there  shall  be  a  fountain  opened  to  the  house  of  David  and  to 
the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  for  sin  and  uncleanness''  —  Zecli.  xiii.  1. 

E  have  a  beautiful  metaphor  here  in  the  term  "fountain,''^ 
to  represent  the  mediatorial  character  of  Christ;  as  the 
source  and  medium  of  salvation  to  the  human  family.  The 
prophet  evidently  testifies  beforehand,  "  the  sufferings  of  Christ, 
and  the  glory  that  should  follow."  Observe, 

1st.  It  is  not  a  wasting  stream  that  is  here  spoken  of ;  but  a 
''fountain/^  ever-flowing,  never-failing  ;  always  yielding  full  sup- 
plies for  every  demand.  Enough  for  all ;  both  to  pacify  and 
purify:  John  iv.  14. 

2d.  Mark  the  freeness  of  God's  grace :  it  is  not  a  fountain 
sealed,  nor  confined  to  a  few  favored  individuals ;  but  a  fountain 
opened.^'   None  are  forbidden ;  but  all  are  invited  ;  and  whoever 
will  may  come  and  welcome :  Ilev.  xxii.  17. 

3d.  This  fountain  was  virtually  opened  in  the  original  plan  of 
redemption ;  according  to  God's  gracious  designs :  Eev.  xiii.  8. 
And  in  due  time,  the  plan  of  reconciliation  was  announced  to  the 
world,  and  the  fountain  of  grace  gradually  opened  and  revealed,  in 
the  various  promises  made  to  the  patriarchs,  and  inspired  predic- 
tions of  the  holy  prophets ;  and  shadowed  forth  by  the  ceremo- 
nial law  under  the  Mosaic  dispensation.  And  was  actually  opened 
in  the  mediatorial  work  of  tlie  Redeemer,  "  in  that  day ''  when  he 
had  finished  the  work  of  man's  redemption  :  Heb.  i.  1-3. 

4th.  We  are  told  to  whom  it  was  opened.  To  the  Jews  Christ 
was  promised,  and  to  them  he  came  as  his  own  people  after  the 
flesh  ;  but  his  own  received  him  not :  John  i.  11.  But  the  bless- 
ings of  this  fountain,  (the  Eedeemer,)  were  not  to  be  confined  to 
the  "  house  of  David,  nor  to  the  inhabitants  of  J erusalem  :  "  He 
was  sent  to  be  a  light  to  the  Gentiles,  and  for  salvation  to  the 
ends  of  the  earth :  "  Acts  xiii.  47. 

5th.  The  purpose  for  which  it  was  opened ;  ^^foi^  sin  and 
undeanness.^'  A  new  and  living  way  is  here  opened  to  guilty, 
polluted  man :  Ps.  Ixxxv.  10.  Such  an  one  as  was  typified  by  the 
sacrifices,  foretold  by  the  prophets,  and  accomplished  when  J esus 
was  wounded  for  us. 


OP  SALVATION  THKOUGH  CHRIST. 


93 


"//7  whom  we  have  redemption  through  his  blood,  the  forgiveness  of  sins.^* 
—  Eph.  i.  7. 

"]   TEAEKEN^,  my  beloved,  ^^hear  what  God  the  Lord  will 


his  saints  :  Ps.  Ixxxv.  8.  Here  are  no  ifs,  biits,  nor  may-bes ; 
but  the  certainty  and  assurance  of  God's  free  love  to  sinners; 
in  and  through  his  ^^well-beloved  Son.''  In  wJiom,^^  that  is, 
in  Jesus,  "  we "  who  had  sold  ourselves  for  naught :  Isa.  lii.  3 ; 
"have  redemption;^'  are  bought  back,  ransomed,  recovered  from 
the  ruin  of  our  fall,  and  reinstated  in  our  former  possessions  and 
enjoyments.    Such  as, 

1st.  Acceptance  with  God :  who,  "  to  the  praise  of  the  glory 
of  his  grace,  hath  made  us  accepted  in  the  Beloved :  Eph.  i.  6. 

2d.  Conformity  to  the  glorious  image  of  God.  "In  the  day 
that  God  created  man,  in  the  likeness  of  God  made  he  him:'^ 
Gen.  V.  1 ;  both  righteous  and  holy ;  consequently  happy.  Sin 
greatly  defaced  that  image;  but  in  Christ  we  have  that  image 
of  our  Maker  restored ;  for  what  we  lost  in  the  first  Adam,  we 
have  redeemed  by  our  second  Adam  :  2  Cor.  v.  18. 

3d.  Fellowship  with  God.  Adam  had  it ;  but  lost  it  by  trans- 
gression. Christ  has  bought  it  back;  and  now,  we,  through 
believing  in  him,  "  have  fellowship  with  the  Father,  and  with 
his  Son  Jesus  Christ : "  1  John  i.  3. 

4th.  Adoption  into  the  family  of  God.  "For  through  him 
(Christ)  we  both  (Jews  and  Gentiles)  have  access  unto  the  Father 
by  one  Spirit:"  Eph.  ii.  18.  Happy  those  who  have  embraced 
the  Saviour  as  he  is  freely  offered  in  the  gospel.  For  "  to  them 
gave  he  power  to  become  the  sons  of  God:"  John  i.  12.  "Be- 
loved, now  are  we  the  sons  of  God :  "  1  John  iii.  2.  "  And  if 
children,  then  heirs  ;  heirs  of  God,  and  joint-heirs  with  Christ :  " 
Kom.  viii.  17. 

5th.  Freedom  from  the  curse  under  which  we  lay.  For,  "  Christ 
hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curse  of  the  law,  being  made  a  curse 
for  us  :  "  Gal.  iii.  13. 

6th.  All  this  recovery,  or  redemption,  is  without  money. 
"  We  have  redemption  through  his  blood ; "  the  precious  blood 
of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ :  1  Pet.  i.  18,  19. 


peace  unto  his  people,  and  to 


94 


OF  ADOPTION. 


"  Thou,  0  Lord,  art  our  Father,  our  Redeemer;  thy  name  is  from  everlast* 
*'ng/^  —  Isa.  Ixiii.  16. 

WHEN  sinners  become  sensible,  a  sight  of  their  own  naked- 
ness and  poverty  would  make  them  truly  miserable,  were 
it  not  that  righteousness  is  revealed  as  God's  unspeakable  gift 
by  Jesus  Christ.  Grace  reigns  through  his  righteousness;  and 
we  enjoy  the  knowledge  and  comfort  that  we  are  counted  right- 
eous through  faith  in  him:  Rom.  iv.  6.  Adoption,  in  a  scriptural 
sense,  is, 

1st.  National;  whereby  God  takes  a  whole  people  under  his 
special  care  and  government,  and  bestows  ordinances  and  other 
privileges  upon  them  as  his  visible  church.  This  adoption,  for 
about  1500  years,  pertained  only  to  the  Jews  :  Eom.  ix.  4. 

2d.  Spiritual;  in  which  sinful  men,  by  nature  children  of 
wrath :  Eph.  ii.  3 ;  are,  upon  their  receiving  Christ,  by  faith,  as 
their  Saviour,  taken  into  the  special  favor  of  God :  John  i.  12 ; 
have  spiritual  communion  with  him,  and  are  entitled  to  all  his 
promises,  salvation  and  glory,  as  their  everlasting  inheritance : 
1  Pet.  i.  3,  4.  And,  as  his  children,  they  are  loved,  taught, 
governed,  corrected,  protected,  helped,  and  provided  for  by  him. 
This  adoption  all  true  believers  have  received ;  and  have  the 
Holy  Spirit  bearing  witness  with  their  spirits,  that  they  are  the 
children  of  God:  Eom.  viii.  15-17.  And  having  the  Spirit  of 
Christ  in  their  hearts,  they  are  enabled  to  say,  "  Thou,  0  Lord, 
art  our  Father:'^  Gal.  iv.  6;  and  knowing  that  their  salvation 
is  of  God,  they  gratefully  acknowledge  him  as  their  Eedeemer : 
Titus  iii.  5 ;  Eph.  ii.  8,  9. 

3d,  Glorious;  in  which,  at  the  last  great  day,  they  shall  all 
be  acknowledged  to  be  the  sons  of  God :  1  John  iii.  2.  And  it 
is  for  this  adoption  the  saints  now  wait :  Eom.  viii.  23. 

Whatever  God  has  made  himself  known  to  us  by,  that  is  his 
"Tiame;''  such  as,  his  mercy,  goodness,  truth,  &c. ;  and  every 
believer  will  say,  Thy  name  is  from  everlasting :  Heb.  i.  10-12. 
It  is  the  unspeakable  privilege  of  the  Christian  to  approach  God, 
not  as  an  angry  Judge,  but  as  a  kind  Father ;  not  as  a  haughty 
tyrant,  but  gracious  Eedeemer  :  Isa.  xli.  14.  What  can  we  desire 
more  than  such  a  Father  and  Eedeemer  ? 


OF  ADOPTION. 


95 


"Behold,  what  manner  of  love  the  Father  hath  bestowed  upon  us,  that  we 
should  be  called  the  sons  of  God  /  "  —  1  John  iii.  1. 

BEHOLD!  Look!  Observe!  Do  see  !  what  manner  of  love ! 
Love  without  a  parallel !  the  Father of  lights,  from 
whom  every  good  descends,  ^^hath  bestowed/^  graciously  given  to^ 
and  conferred  "upon  ns/^  who  have  been  so  ungrateful,  so  base,  so 
undeserving,  "  that  we  —  we  sinners  —  we  rebels  —  we  children 
of  wrath  —  we  cursed  —  we  aliens  —  that  '^ive  should  be  called  the 
sons  of  God?^  What  boundless  love  !  and  amazing  condescen- 
sion !  It  is  God  who  calls  us  sons ;  and  he  never  m^8-calls  any- 
thing ;  we  may  therefore  rest  assured  we  are  sons ;  and  he  is  not 
ashamed  to  be  called  our  Father.  The  Father  bestowed  the  Son 
upon  us  :  1  John  iv.  9,  10 ;  and  the  Son  bestowed  himself,  and 
hath  redeemed  us :  1  Tim.  ii.  6 ;  and  made  us  his  brethren : 
Heb.  ii.  17 ;  and  the  Father  hath  adopted  us,  and  made  us  his 
sons  :  Eom.  viii.  15-17.  Love  like  this  demands  our  soul  —  our 
life  —  our  all.  So  fond  is  the  Father  of  his  children,  that  he 
calls  them  all  by  his  own  name :  Eev.  iii.  12 ;  he  gives  them  every 
good  thing  to  enjoy  here  :  1  Tim.  vi.  17 ;  and  he  lays  up  an  abun- 
dance for  them  hereafter :  Ps.  xxxi.  19. 

The  happiness  and  privileges  of  the  "  sons  of  God are  great 
beyond  description ;  for,  though  they  have  a  greater  share  of  suf- 
fering than  other  men,  they  have  blessings  and  consolations  to 
which  all  others  are  entire  strangers ;  and  what  they  enjoy  while 
in  this  life,  is  not  to  be  compared  to  the  honors  and  enjoyments 
that  await  them  when  they  come  of  age  :  1  Cor.  ii.  9.    Let  us 
'  remember  that  God  is  our  everlasting  Father ;  who  has  begotten 
;  himself  in  us,  and  we  in  himself.    His  light,  his  love,  his  wis- 
[  dom,  his  power,  his  strength,  is  in  us :  John  i.  16.    This  is  but  a 
;  very  faint  view  of  the  inestimable  love,  riches,  honor,  and  glory, 
bequeathed  to  ruined  sinners  by  New  Testament  love ;  ratified  and 
sealed  by  the  blood  of  Jesus,  our  elder  Brother.    How  ought  this 
view  of  God^s  love  to  fill  our  hearts  with  gratitude,  fire  our  souls 
jivith  ecstasy,  and  loose  our  tongues  to  praise  him  who  hath  so 
joved  us!    The  love  of  the  Father  flows  to  us  through  the  heart 
|)f  our  dear  Jesus.    Surely,  then,  it  is  a  great  honor  to  be  a  son 
)f  God  1   Let  us  live  as  such. 


96 


OF  ADOPTION. 


*'  I  am  a  father  to  Israel,  and  Ephraim  is  my  first-born y  —  Jer.  xxxi.  9. 

THEY  are  not  all  Israel  which  are  of  Israel:  Eom.  ix.  6. 
Neither  are  they  all  Christians,  who  are  called  Christians. 
A  man  may  have  a  good  outside,  and  a  bad  inside ;  but  all  who 
are  born  of  God,  they  are  the  Israel  of  God ;  because  they  are 
the  begotten  of  God :  1  Pet.  i.  3.  All  such  are  the  adopted  of 
God:  GaL  iv.  6;  they  are  of  the  family  of  God:  Eph.  iii.  15; 
and  God  declares  himself  to  be  their  Father:  2  Cor.  vi.  18. 
Observe, 

1st.  He  does  not  say  I  was,  but  "  I  am  a  Father  to  Israel ; 
ungrateful  as  Israel  has  been,  that  has  made  no  change  in  our 
relationship.  Though  we  frequently  forget  the  relationship  in 
which  we  stand  to  God,  he  never  forgets  the  relation  in  which  he 
stands  to  us :  Jer.  xxxi.  3.  What  base  ingratitude,  to  turn  our 
backs  upon  a  " Father  so  kind  ;  and  wander  from  him,  after  his 
having  done  so  much  for  us  !  Indeed,  if  sad  experience  did  not 
prove  the  contrary,  it  would  seem  impossible  for  creatures,  who 
have  experienced  so  much  of  his  goodness,  to  prove  so  base  as  to 
make  such  ill  returns.  And  can  it  be  possible,  that  God  would 
ever  own  those,  who,  after  all  that  he  has  done,  turn  away  from 
him  and  despise  his  love  ?  yea,  and  more  than  that,  it  is  certain. 
For, 

2d.  He  declares  "  Ephraim.^^^  wandering,  backsliding,  ungrate- 
ful, idolatrous  Ephraim,  "  is  my  Jirst-born.^^  Yes,  Ephraim  has 
left  his  father,  wasted  his  substance,  and  been  among  the  swine, 
and  following  his  idols ;  and  deserves  not  even  the  name  of  a  son ; 
still  his  Father  owns  and  loves  him;  yea,  calls  him  his  ''First- 
born  ;  because  he  is  one  with  his  only  begotten  Son,  who  is  the 
first-born  of  every  creature :  Col.  i.  14,  15 ;  and  in  whom,  and 
through  whom,  he  is  also  pleased  to  accept  of  us ;  and  call  us  his 
sons :  Eph.  i.  6,  7.  For  as  many  as  receive  Christ,  that  is,  believe 
on  him,  they  have  the  privilege  of  becoming  the  sons  of  God : 
John  i.  12.  Christians  are  nobly  privileged,  greatly  dignified, 
and  highly  honored;  it  is,  therefore,  a  great  pity  they  should 
disgrace  themselves  by  mingling  with  the  world :  2  Cor.  vi.  17. 
A  believer  is  a  son  of  God,  by  the  Son  of  God  so  that  we  are 
indebted  to  God  for  every  good. 


OF  ADOPTION. 


97 


"  Ye  are  all  the  children  of  God  by  faith  in  Christ  Jesus.''  —  Gal.  iii.  26. 
EEAT  and  manifold  are  the  blessings  and  privileges  of  all 
vU"  believers  in  God's  dear  Son ;  they  are  no  longer  counted  as 
transgressors,  foreigners,  aliens,  servants  ;  but  sons.  Observe, 

1st.  The  persons  here  spoken  of,  ye  ;  ye  Jews,  who  have  long 
had  the  form  of  godliness  without  the  power ;  ye  Gentiles,  who 
so  long  had  neither  form  nor  power ;  ye  apostate  sinners,  who,  so 
recently,  were  haters  of  God,  despisers  of  his  law,  rebels  against 
his  righteous  government.  Ye  who  have  been  so  strongly  in 
league  with  sin,  death,  and  hell,  look  back,  and  mouin  over  what 
you  have  been;  but  look  now,  and  rejoice  at  what  ye  now  are. 
Behold  what  grace  has  done  for  ye  !  For, 

2d.  ''Ye  are  all  the  children  of  GodT^  Strange  alteration, 
indeed  !  However,  it  is  true  ;  and  ye  have  all  a  just  claim  to  all 
the  privileges  of  children.  Hence,  you  may  approach  God  as 
your  kind  Father  at  all  times,  and  under  every  circumstance; 
without  the  least  fear  of  meeting  with  disappointment.  In 
difficulty,  he  will  direct  you :  James  i.  5  ;  in  danger,  a  celestial 
soldier  guards  you:  Ps.  xxxiv.  7 ;  in  the  time  of  trial,  he  will 
support  you :  Ps.  1.  22  ;  when  you  pass  through  afflictions,  he 
will  accompany  you :  Ps.  xliii.  2  ;  from  trouble  he  will  deliver 
you :  Ps.  1.  15 ;  in  every  condition,  his  grace  is  sufficient :  2  Cor. 
xii.  9 ;  in  death,  he  will  be  with  you  :  Ps.  xxiii.  4  ;  and  in  eternity 
you  shall  be  with  him :  John  xiv.  3 ;  and  no  mortal  knows,  what 
truly  great  and  good  things  he  has  laid  up  for  his  children,  on 
their  arrival  at  home  :  1  Cor.  ii.  9. 

3d.  This  is  obtained,  not  on  the  ground  of  innocency,  or  good 
works  ;  but  "  by  faith :  that  faith  that  neither  dictates  to,  nor 
cavils  at,  the  word  of  God ;  but  approaches  the  Bible  to  inquire 
what  it  teaches ;  and  promptly  obeys  whatever  God  commands ; 
and  claims  all  which  he  has  promised.  God  gave  his  Son  for 
you;  the  Spirit  gave  faith  to  you;  hence  Jesus  became  precious 
in  your  eyes :  1  Pet.  ii.  7 ;  and  ye  became  "  the  children  of  God 
by  faith  in  Christ  Jesus.'' 

4th.  In  Christj  and  him  alone  you  claim  these  privileges* 


98 


OF  FREE  ACCESS  TO  GOD. 


"  The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  all  them  that  call  upon  him,  to  all  that  call  upon 
him  in  truth."  —  Ps.  cxlv.  18. 

SINCERE^  upright  souls^  are  aware,  that  they  have  to  do  with 
a  God  who  searches  the  heart,  and  tries  the  reins  of  the 
children  of  men ;  to  him  they  appeal,  desire  to  be  tried  by,  and 
have  everything  removed  that  would  be  offensive  to  him :  Ps. 
cxxxix.  23,  24.  Observe, 

1st.  "  Tiie  Lord  is  nigli;^^  never  out  of  call;  but  always  at 
hand ;  and  if  a  neighbor  that  is  nigh,  is  better  than  a  brother  afar 
off,  how  great  must  be  the  privilege  of  those  who  have  God 
always  nigh !  Isa.  xli.  10.  The  Lord  is  no  respecter  of  persons. 
For, 

2d.  He  is  nigh  unto  "all  tJiem  tJiat  call  upon  him;^^  no  matter 
which  way  they  turn,  they  are  sure  to  meet  with  him :  Ps. 
cxxxix.  7-12.  Darkness  may  surround  you,  friends  may  be  far 
from  you,  and  earth,  death,  and  hell,  may  level  their  envenomed 
darts  at  you ;  but  no  matter,  while  the  Lord  is  nigh  you  :  Ps. 
Ixxxv.  9.  All  you  have  to  do,  is  to  be  careful  to  sustain  the 
character,  and  then  you  can  claim  the  promise.  Call  upon  him, 
and  you  will  find  him  nigh  to  answer  every  call :  Isa.  Iviii.  9,  10. 
But  if  we  would  be  successful  in  all  our  calls,  we  must  be  careful 
not  to  indulge  in  any  known  sin  :  Ps.  Ixvi.  18. 

3d.  He  is  not  said  to  be  nigh,  but  unto  "  all  that  call  upon  him 
in  trutli,''^  He  is  a  God  of  truth ;  we  must  therefore  call  upon 
him  in  truth.  While  in  the  flesh,  the  heart  must  be  narrowly 
watched,  that  it  wander  not  from  God,  while  with  our  lips  we 
call  upon  him  ;  or  we  shall  call  in  vain  :  Matt.  xv.  7-9.  We  have 
every  inducement  to  call  upon  him;  the  way  is  clear:  Heb.  x. 
19-22 ;  we  have  a  friend  in  court :  Heb.  vii.  25 ;  we  are  invited, 
so  that  we  are  sure  to  meet  with  a  hearty  welcome :  James  iv.  8 ; 
yea,  we  are  commanded  to  call  upon  him  :  so  that  it  would  be  a  sin 
not  to  call :  Ps.  1.  15 ;  neither  is  there  any  fear  of  being  put  off 
with  a  cold  "  Can't  you  call  again  : Isa.  xlv.  19.  Were  we  not 
straightened  in  our  own  bowels,  we  should  never  find  the  Lord 
straightened  in  his.  If  we  call  and  receive  not,  it  is  because  we 
have  called  in  an  improper  manner;  for  we  could  never  ca,ll  a,t  au 
Improper  season  :  Jas.  iv.  3-6, 


OF  FREE  ACCESS  TO  GOD. 


99 


"  Through  him  we  both  have  access  by  one  Spirit  unto  the  Father."  —  Eph. 
ii.  18. 

HAT  a  pity  it  is,  that  those  who  have  free  access  to  God, 
should  live  so  far  from  God !  Our  hearts  and  affections, 
too  frequently,  get  roving  on  the  high  roads  of  earthly  pleasures, 
riches,  or  honors  ;  where  clouds  of  dust  arise,  that  so  obscure  our 
sight  we  can  not  see  our  way  to  God  ;  nor  scarcely  tell  where  we 
are.    But  here  we  are  reminded, 

1st.  That  through  him/^  that  is,  through  Christ  Jesus,  who  is 
the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life,  we  may  freely  go  to  the  Father : 
John  xiv.  6.  Because  we  are  his  members  ;  one  with,  chosen, 
beloved,  viewed,  and  saved  in  him  ;  and  loved  with  the  very  same 
love  :  John  xvii.  23.    Through  Jesus, 

2d.  We  both/^  Jews  and  Gentiles  ;  whether  high  or  low,  bond 
or  free,  churchmen  or  dissenters  ;  have  access  unto  the  Father  J' 
We  have  all  one  Father  :  Mai.  ii.  10  ;  we  are  all  one  in  Christ ; 
have  all  one  Head,  one  Comforter,  and  one  Spirit,  by  whom  we 
all  have  access  to  one  God.  Let  this  faith,  then,  quell  all  unholy 
contentions,  and  excite  all  heavenly  love  to  each  other.  Sin 
created  a  quarrel  between  us  and  God;  and  Christ  hath  made 
peace  between  us  :  Eph.  ii.  14.  Sin  blocked  up  the  old  way  to 
the  Father  through  works,  but  Christ  has  made  a  new  one, 
through  himself  •  Heb.  xg^.  The  Father  has  now  reconciled  ^^s 
to  himself :  2  Cor.  v.  18 ;  Made  us  his  sons,  and  declares  himself 
to  be  our  Father  :  2  Cor.  vi.  18  ;  and  has  erected  a  throne  of  grace 
for  us  to  come  unto ;  with  full  liberty  to  approach  that  throne, 
wi'jh  all  our  wants  and  woes  .  Heb.  iv.*  16.  But  bear  in  mind, 
d.  Christ,  the  Son,  is  the  only  way  of  access  to  the  Father : 
hn  xiv.  G ;  and  by  the  help  of  the  '^Spiritj'^  he  enlightens  oui 
.a!iids,  njiid  .^ives  us  hearts  to  come  :  John  vi.  44.  Thus  it  is  all 
wing  to  the  boundless  grace  of  God,  from  first  to  laso,  that  we 
have  access  to  him.  What  infinite  riches  of  wisdom,  grace  and 
love,  in  the  new  creation  in  Christ  Jesus  !  all  of  which  are  of  a 
spiritual  and  heavenly  nature.  Whatever  tempests  may  arise,  or 
darkness  surround  you,  you  can  always  find  access  to  a  faithfulj 
coveua^nt-keeping  God :  E?;ek.  x^.  40,  41, 


100 


OF  SANCTIFYING  GRACE. 


"The  Lord  God  is  a  sun  and  a  shield :  the  Lord  will  give  grace  and  glory  \ 
no  good  thing  will  he  withhold  from  them  that  walk  uprightly.''  —  Ps.  Ixxxiv.  11. 

THIS  world;  to  the  Christian,  may  be  considered  a  wilderness, 
dark  and  dangerous,  through  which  he  is  called  to  pass  ;  and 
without  a  guide  and  guard,  it  would  be  impossible  for  him  to  get 
through  it  in  safety :  Phil.  iii.  18,  19.  Here  we  have  a  redun- 
dancy of  gracious  declarations  and  precious  promises. 

1st.  TJie  Lord  God,^^  who  hurled  the  sun  from  his  grasp,  and 
bid  the  planets  roll,  "  is  a  sun,^'  to  enlighten,  cheer,  comfort,  warm, 
and  guide,  the  travellers  of  Zion,  as  they  journey  toward  the  Sun; 
and  who  on  their  arrival  will  shine  as  the  sun :  Matt.  xiii.  43 
Your  way  may  be  difficult,  but  you  have  a  good  light ;  so  that  bj 
looking  well  to  your  steps,  you  need  not  fall.  Dangers  may  sur- 
round you,  but  let  not  that  discourage  you.  For, 

2d.  The  Lord  is  also  ^^a  shield and  one  too,  that  will  cover 
you  every  way  :  Isa.  ]ii.  12.  The  darts  of  the  enemy  may  be 
constantly  flying  thick  around  you  ;  but  let  not  that  give  you  any 
concern,  while  you  are  so  well  defended  by  so  good  a  shield  :  Ps. 
V.  12.  Perhaps  jou  are  ready  to  say,  ^^but  my  fears  are  so  great^ 
and  my  strength  so  small :  my  foes  so  powerful  and  my  faith  so 
feeble ;  that  I  sometimes  think  I  shall  have  to  give  up  he 
struggle.'^    Give  up  !  what  I  so  long  as  it  is  written, 

3d.  ''The  Lord  will  give  grace  I -^^^^  •  never  let  such  a  brat 
be  sheltered  under  your  roof.  You  cannot  stand,  it  is  true,  with- 
out grace ;  but  that  you  shall  have  ;  and  enough  too,  to  replenish 
all  your  graces.  Only  be  careful  to  improve  the  grace  you  have  • 
and  the  Lord  will  give  sufficient :  2  Cor.  xii.  9.  The  Lord  does 
not  intend  you  should  stop  in  this  world  of  woes  but  a  liotle  whil 
longer;  you  may  therefore  comfort  your  heart  with  this  assur 
ance. 

4th.  He  will  ''give  glory. Present  grace  is  an  earnest  i  fut 
ure  glory.  Grace  is  glory  begun ;  and  glory  is  grace  made  per- 
fect :  2  Cor.  iii.  18.    And,  to  remove  every  cause  of  complaint, 

5th.  The  Lord  "will  witliliold  no  good  thing So  that  whatever 
may  befall  you,  shall  be  sanctified  to  you. 


The  Lord  is  a  s^^  and  a  shield."  — Page  100. 


LIBRARY 
OF  THE 
UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS 


OF  SANCTIFYING  GEACE. 


101 


"Such  were  some  of  you  :  but  ye  are  washed,  but  ye  are  sanctified,  but  ye 
are  justified  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  and  by  the  Spirit  of  our  God.'* 
1  Cor.  vi.  11. 

r  I  ^HE  apostle  had  too  great  cause  to  fear  that  some  in  the 


J-  church  at  Corinth  were  not  living  as  Christians  ought  to 
live;  but  who^  while  they  professed  piety,  practised  iniquity: 
2  Cor.  xii.  20^  21.  However,  he  knew  that  that  was  not  the  case 
with  all ;  hence,  in  order  to  keep  those  humble  and  charitable 
who  were  so,  he  gives  them  to  understand,  that  whatever  differ- 
ence there  was,  between  saints  and  sinners,  was  all  owing  to  the 
grace  of  God.  Let  the  wickedness  of  others  ever  keep  you  at 
the  footstool  of  mercy,  by  reminding  you  of  your  great  obliga- 
tions to  love  and  serve  God.  For, 

1st.  ''Such  loere  some  of  you: and  truly  glad  should  I  be  to 
be  able  to  speak  of  it  as  a  thing  past  with  all  of  you.  The  best 
of  you  were  as  bad  by  nature  as  the  worst  of  them ;  all  were 
alike  unholy  and  unclean :  Job  xiv.  4.  But, 

2d.  ''Ye  are  washed from  the  vile  pollutions  of  sin:  by 
faith,  ye  are  washed,  having  applied  to  the  fountain  opened  for 
sin  and  lihcleanness :  Zech.  xii.  1.  Thanks  to  Him  who  opened 
the  fountain,  led  you  to,  and  then  washed  you  in  it:  Titas  iii.  5. 
Be  careful  to  keep  yourselves  unspotted  from  the  world. 

3d.  "  But  ye  are  sanctified :  the  Lord  hath  set  you  apart  for 
himself :  Ps.  iv.  3 ;  he  hath  redeemed  you  from  all  iniquity,  and 
washed  and  sanctified  you,  that  he  might  purify  unto  himself  a 
peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good  works :  Titus  ii.  14.  And  ye 
are  now  freed  from  the  power  and  dominion  of  sin :  Eom.  vi.  14; 
and  being  endued  with  a  principle  of  holiness,  ye  are  become  new 
creatures  :  2  Cor.  v.  17.  Neither  is  that  all  that  grace  has  done 
for  you ;  for, 

4th.  "  Ye  are  justified  all  your  former  transgressions  are  as 
completely  removed,  and  you  as  free,  as  though  you  had  never 
committed  one  sin.  God  has  graciously  accepted  of  us,  on  ac- 
count of  what  Christ  has  wrought  out  for  us ;  and  now,  being 
justified,  we  have  peace  with  God,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ: 
Eom.  V.  1.  For, 

5th.  It  is  in  the  Lord  Jesus'  "  name^^  ailoue :  Acts  iv.  12* 


102 


OF  CONVERTING  GRACE. 


*'  A  new  heart  also  will  I  give  you,  and  a  new  spirit  will  I  put  within  you  ; 
and  I  will  take  away  the  stony  heart  out  of  your  flesh,  and  I  will  give  you  a 
heart  of  flesh.''  —  Ezek.  xxxvi.  26. 

A     CHEISTIAK  is  a  '^new  creature ; he  has  a  ''new  heart;  " 


-^--^  lives  in  a  new  world ;  under  a  new  government ;  serves  a 
new  master ;  obeys  new  laws ;  is  actuated  by  7iew  motives ;  in- 
fluenced by  new  love  ;  animated  with  new  joys;  possesses  new  de- 
lights ;  and  is  called  by  a  new  name ;  yea,  all  things  become  new : 
2  Cor.  V.  17.  "  True,"  says  the  believer,  "  this  is  a  sweet  doctrine  ; 
but  sad  experience  teaches  me,  that  I  have  not  yet  that  new  heart 
you  speak  of ;  for  I  feel  to  my  sorrow  the  old  nature  of  sin  and 
unbelief,  and  have  daily  to  mourn  over  it."  Well,  admitting  you 
do,  you  feel  no  more  than  the  saints  of  God  in  every  age  have 
had  to  groan  under ;  and  it  is  perfectly  consistent  with  a  renewed 
state.  Naturally,  your  heart  was  as  hard  as  a  stone,  incapable 
of  either  feeling  sin  or  mourning  over  it;  and  hence  it  was  called 
a  ''stony  heart;  "  but  by  the  blood  of  Jesus,  ap]3lied  by  the  Spirit, 
through  faith,  it  has  been  made  a  soft,  tender,  yielding  heart : 
and  is  called  a  "heart  of  fleshy  Your  old  heart  was  like  a  rogk; 
th*  could  neither  be  awed  by  fear  nor  be  moved  by  ♦)ve ;  but 
your  "neiD  heart  of  flesh  "  is  susceptible  of  impression;  —  is  melted 
by  love,  mourns  over  sin,  and  delights  in  looking  upon  Jesus,  as 
he  is  set  forth  in  the  gospel. 

By  the  Spirit  of  God  you  are  inwardly  changed ;  or,  in  other 
words,  have  been  converted  to  a  different  purpose ;  or,  from  what 
you  formerly  were,  to  what  you  now  are.  You  were  formerly 
dead  as  a  stone,  spiritually ;  but  now,  being  quickened,  you  are 
sensible  of  feeling ;  formerly  you  were  a  child  of  wrath ;  but, 
now,  a  child  of  God:  Eph.  ii.  1-6.  Hence  you  now  love  and 
serve  God,  who  first  loved  you:  1  John  iv.  19.  You  thought 
your  old  heart  a  very  good  one,  because  it  was  an  unfeeling,  de- 
ceitful one ;  and  your  new  heart,  because  it  is  a  feeling  one,  you 
are  led  to  think  is  worse  than  the  old  one.  The  king's  daughter, 
the  Lamb's  wife,  is  all  glorious  within,  and  her  clothing  is  of 
wrought-gold ;  yet  she  is  unhappily  allied  to  a  base,  wretched 
Nabal.  The  conflicts  you  feel  within,  are  a  proof  that  grace 
^live;  aud  that  your  heart  i§  ixot  stouQ, 


OF  CONVEKTING  GRACE. 


103 


"Not  by  works  of  righteousness,  which  iva  have  done,  but  according  to  his 
mercy  he  sailed  us,  by  the  washing  of  regeneration,  and  renewing  of  the  Holy 
Ghost/*  — Titus  iii.  5. 

EVEEY  converted  sinner  is  a  sinner  saved  by  grace ;  and  all 
such  are  saved  from  sin ;  and  consequently  the  penalty  due 
to  sin :  2  Tim.  i.  9.  Observe, 

1st.  It  is  not  said,  We  are  saved  without  the  works  of  right- 
eousness ;  no,  that  could  never  be ;  but,  ISTot  according  to  works 
of  righteousness  which  we  Jiave  done;^^  for  that  would  be  impossi- 
ble ;  seeing  our  best  performances  need  washing  in  the  fountain 
opened  for  sin  and  uncleanness  :  Eph.  ii.  8,  9.  Therefore, 

2d.  We  are  saved  according  to  Jiis  mercy  on  account  of 
works  of  righteousness  which  Jesus  has  done ;  who  hath  fulfilled 
the  law  for  us ;  and  perfectly  satisfied  every  demand  of  strict  jus- 
tice. Hence  we  are  no  longer  under  the  curse  of  the  law,  but 
under  grace :  Rom.  vi.  14,  15.  So  that  no  one  has  anything  to 
boast  of,  nor  glory  in,  save  in  the  cross  of  Christ :  Eph.  ii.  15,  16. 
As  water  separates  filth  from  that  which  is  washed  in  it,  so  we 
are  said  to  be  saved, 

3d.  "By  the  wasJiing  of  regeneration,  and  renewing  of  the 
Holy  Ghost."  Eegeneration  is  spiritual  renewing.  The  man  is 
the  same  after  being  thus  renewed ;  but  with  other  dispositions 
and  habits ;  evil  ones  no  longer  prevail :  and  in  a  moral  and 
spiritual  sense,  old  things  are  passed  away,  and  all  things  become 
new.  A  new  principle  of  grace  and  holiness  being  Avrought,  by 
which  he  is  governed,  makes  him  a  new  man  —  a  neio  creature  :  2 
Cor.  V.  17. 

4th.  And  as  baptism  is  the  outward  sign  of  this  inward  change, 
wrought  in  the  heart  by  the  Holy  Spirit  and  the  word  of  truth. 
James  i.  18,  applying  the  things  of  Christ  to  us,  it  is  here  called 
the  ''imshing  of  regeneration.'^'  Water  cleanses  the  outside  of  the 
man ;  and  is  here  used  to  represent  the  cleansing  that  has  been 
performed  inside,  by  the  grace  and  Spirit  of  Christ,  according  to 
the  mercy  of  God:  1  John  v.  7,  8.  Christ  himself  instituted  the 
ordinance  of  Baptism ;  it  ought,  therefore,  never  to  be  slighted, 
nor  neglected  by  those  who  are  converted ;  neither  shoidd  it  ever 
be  substituted  for  eoxaversion  \  but  should  follow  it  as  aii  evidence 
of  it 


104 


OF  THE  GRACE  OF  REPENTANCE. 


"And  ye  shall  loathe  yourselves  in  your  own  sight  for  all  the  evils  that  yoa 
have  committed/^  —  Ezek.  xx.  43. 

TTTHEN  a  man  knows  but  little  of  God,  he  is  apt  to  think 


V  V  much  of  himself ;  but  the  more  he  becomes  acquainted 
with  God^s  goodness,  the  more  he  discovers  of  his  own  badness : 
Job  xlii.  6,  6.  A  man  who  is  acquainted  with  himself,  is  sure 
to  loathe  himself.  Whoever  reflects  upon  the  goodness  of  God, 
cannot  fail  to  discover  their  ingratitude  to  God :  Isa.  i.  2.  Do 
you  look  upon  yourself  with  abhorrence,  and  loathe  yourself  f  " 
Why  is  it  ?  You  had  used  to  have  a  good  opinion  of  yourself ; 
and  stood  very  high  in  your  own  estimation ;  and  were  ready  to 
believe  yourself  much  better  than  many  of  your  neighbors,  who 
made  a  towering  profession  of  religion.  Why  this  great  change 
of  your  views,  with  regard  to  yourself  ?  Have  you  such  hum^ 
bling  views  of  yourself  on  account  of  "  all  the  evils  you  have  com- 
mitted If  so,  do  not  despair;  for  it  is  with  you  just  as  God 
would  have  it ;  and  just  as  he  in  his  mercy  declared  it  should  be. 
You  are  no  worse  now,  than  you  were  before  you  saw  youself  so 
vile  and  loathesome ;  but  it  is  because  God  has  enlightened  your 
mind,  took  away  the  veil  from  your  heart,  and  given  you  a  sight 
of  yourself,  that  you  now  loathe  yourself.  David  was  no  worse 
after  the  prophet  Nathan  had  declared  him  to  be  the  man  who  had 
committed  such  great  wickedness,  than  he  was  before;  no,  but 
God  brought  his  sins  to  his  remembrance  by  it ;  and  he  loathed 
himself  on  account  thereof :  2  Sam.  xii.  7,  13. 

The  Lord  has  given  you  the  grace  of  repentance,  so  that  you 
now  hate  what  you  formerly  loved,  and  desire  that  which  you 
formerly  slighted ;  yea,  hated.  Confess  and  forsake  your  sins,  as 
David  did,  and  like  him  you  shall  find  mercy :  Prov.  xxviii.  13. 
We  must  hate  sin  before  we  can  love  holiness.  There  are  many 
who  delight  themselves  in  committing  sins,  who  never  loathed 
themselves  on  account  of  the  sins  they  had  committed:  Hos. 
vii.  10.  God  sent  his  Son  to  die  for  sinners ;  you  are  one ;  go  to 
God  through  Christ ;  take  nothing  with  you  but  your  sins,  and 
vile  as  you  are,  he  will  embrace  you  in  the  arms  of  his  mercy : 
John  vi.  37.  Let  the  great  love  that  God  has  to  you,  quicken 
your  love  to  him. 


OF  THE  GEACE  OP  REPENTANCE. 


105 


"/  am  not  come  to  call  the  righteous,  but  sinners  to  repentance.''  —  Matt, 
ix.  13. 

BE  astonished,  0  heavens  !  and  rejoice,  ye  children  of  men ! 
admire  and  adore  the  goodness  of  our  God !  who,  while  we 
were  yet  sinners,  sent  his  only  begotten  Son  into  the  world,  that 
we  might  live  through  him  :  1  John  iv.  9,  10.  Learn, 

1st.  Christ's  errand  into  the  world  was  to  "  call  men  to  repent-  . 
ance;''  to  convince  them  of  their  improper  conduct,  and  persuade 
them  to  change  their  mind,  in  order  that  they  might  alter  their 
course.    This  was  his  first  text,  and  the  tendency  of  all  his  ser- 
mons :  Matt.  iv.  17. 

2d.  "  He  came  not  to  call  the  righteous :  no,  for  had  that  been 
his  errand^  he  would  never  have  visited  this  world :  Eom.  iii.  10. 
Had  men  not  have  been  sinners,  Christ  would  not  have  been  found 
amongst  men ;  but  all  have  sinned ;  and  he  came  into  a  world  of 
sinners,  that  he  might  save  the  chief  of  sinners :  1  Tim.  i.  15. 
His  errand  lay  with  all  kinds  of  sinners.  Therefore, 

3d.  The  greater  the  sinner,  the  more  need  of  the  Saviour: 
Matt.  ix.  12.  The  more  dangerous  the  disease,  the  more  need  of 
a  physician.  But  he  came  not  to  save  men  in  their  sins,  but 
from  their  sins  :  Matt.  i.  21 ;  and  to  do  this,  he  calls  upon  all 
men  to  repent ;  and  leaves  no  means  untried,  in  order  to  bring 
sinners  to  repentance.  He  invites,  warns,  and  entreats,  by  the 
dispensations  of  his  providence  :  James  ii.  12 ;  by  the  motions 
of  his  Holy  Spirit :  Matt.  xxii.  14 ;  by  the  preaching  of  the  gos- 
pel :  Mark  i.  15 ;  by  their  own  consciences  :  John  viii.  9 ;  and 
by  his  repeated  acts  of  goodness :  Eom.  ii.  4. 

4th.  Eepentance  is  produced  by  a  sight  of,  a  sorrow  for,  and 
a  hatred  to  sin;  for  no  man  will  think  about  reforming  till  he 
sees  and  feels  the  need  of  a  reformation.  A  sorrow  for  sin,  if  it 
is  of  a  godly  sort,  "  worketh  repentance  ;  that  is  to  say,  pro- 
duceth  a  reform :  2  Cor.  vii.  10.  Hence,  Peter  directed  the  mur- 
derers of  Christ,  who  were  pricked  in  their  hearts,  on  account  of 
their  sins,  to  repent;  do  better  for  the  time  to  come.  Is  this 
your  state,  my  Christian  friend  ?  Attend  to  the  calls  of  the 
Spirit;  follow  the  drawings  of  the  Father,  and  they  will  lead 
you  to  the  Son. 


106 


OF  DIVINE  TEACHING. 


"/  will  instruct  thee,  and  teach  thee  in  the  way  thou  shalt  go;  I  will  guide 
thee  with  mine  e/e."  —  Ps.  xxxii.  8. 

GOD'S  promises  are  frequently  mixed  with  the  prayers  and 
grateful  acknowledgments  of  his  saints ;  as  in  the  case 
here.  Christian,  know  thy  danger;  thou  art  ever  liable  to  be  led 
astray  by  the  wicked  one,  and  the  deceitfulness  of  thy  own 
heart.  Eemember,  there  is  no  growth  in  grace,  but  by  the  knowl- 
edge of  Jesus ;  and  to  know  and  experience  the  grace  of  God  in 
Christ,  is  the  privilege  of  poor  sinners.  Art  thou  mourning  over 
thy  ignorance,  hungering  after  more  grace,  and  thirsting  after 
greater  knowledge  of  thyself,  thy  God,  and  thy  Saviour?  Is  it 
thy  greatest  desire  to  know  the  way  of  righteousness,  and  to  be 
enabled  to  walk  in  it  ?  Verily,  thy  desire  shall  be  granted.  For 
the  encouragement  of  thy  faith,  the  Lord  declares, 

1st.  "  I  will  instruct  tliee^  Complain  not  of  thy  ignorance ; 
for  it  matters  not  how  dull  thou  mayest  be,  seeing  the  Lord  has 
engaged  to  be  thy  teacher.  Talk  not  of  being  a  poor,  igno- 
rant sinner;  for  He  teaches  sinners  because  they  are  sinners 
and  need  his  teachings :  Ps.  xxv.  8.  We  are  all  sinners,  and 
cannot  help  one  another  back  into  the  fold  from  which  we  strayed ; 
but  God  sent  his  Son  to  save  sinners;  and,  for  his  sake,  will 
instruct  us  in  those  things  that  belong  to  our  peace.  If  thou  art 
endeavoring  to  walk  in  the  way  of  the  Lord,  this  promise  belongs 
to  thee. 

2d.  "I  will  teach  tliee  in  the  way  thou  shalt  go.''  Thus  it  is 
plain  your  having  gone  out  of  the  way,  or  your  ignorance  in  the 
way,  can  never  interfere  with  the  faithfulness  of  God.  There 
are  so  many  ways  marked  out  by  man,  and  each  contend  so  zeal- 
ously for  their  own  way,  that  without  Divine  teaching,  it  would 
be  impossible  for  mortal  to  know  the  right  way.  The  Lord  will 
teach  thee,  by  his  word  and  Spirit,  the  way  which  tliou  shalt  go ; 
whatever  way  others  may  take. 

3d.  "  I  will  guide  thee  witJi  mine  eyeJ^  The  eyes  of  the  Lord 
are  upon  the  righteous  :  Ps.  xxxiv.  15.  When  the  Lord  turned 
and  looked  upon  Peter,  he  guided  him  with  his  eye  into  the 
right  way.  To  grow  in  the  knowledge  and  love  of  Jesus,  is  c  iir 
richest  consolation,  our  greatest  joy  :  2  Pet.  iii.  18. 


OF  DIVINE  TEACHIKG. 


107 


'If  any  man  will  do  his  will,  he  shall  know  of  the  doctrine,  whether  it  be 
of  God,  or  whether  I  speak  of  myself —  John  vii.  17. 

THE  blessed  Saviour  has  here  given  to  his  disciples  a  test, 
whereby  they  may  try  all  who  set  themselves  up  for  prophets, 
doctors,  or  dictators,  in  religion ;  they  are  to  be  tried  by  their 
doctrine ;  and  by  that  he  wished  to  be  tried  himself.  The  doc- 
trine of  Christ  is  disputed  in  this  our  day,  as  it  was  in  his  day. 
Observe, 

1st.  We  are  in  danger  of  being  led  astray  and  deceived,  by 
having  doctrines  brought  to  us  in  God's  name  which  he  never 
taught ;  and  it  greatly  concerns  us  to  know  upon  what  founda- 
tion we  build ;  and  unless  we  closely  examine,  we  may  be  miser- 
ably deceived :  1  John  iv.  1. 

2d.  Who  are  likely  to  succeed  in  their  endeavors  to  ascertain  ^ 
"whether  the  doctrine  be  of  God,"  or  whether  the  preacher 
preaches  himself?  they  who  ''do  the  will  of  GodJ^  And  all  who 
do  his  will  are  impartial  in  their  inquiries  concerning  his  will ; 
and  suffer  neither  lust  nor  interest  to  bias  their  minds,  during 
their  search  after  truth  ;  and  having  discovered  the  will  of 
God,  they  resolve  by  his  grace  to  conform  to  it :  John  xiv.  21. 

3d.  Whence  it  is  that  such  shall  "  know  the  truth  of  Christ's 
doctrine.  Christ  has  said,  ''He  shall  know;^^  and  that  is  suffi- 
cient ;  for  his  word  is  his  bond.  He  can  open  their  understand- 
ings ;  and  all  who  follow  the  light  they  have,  may  depend  upon 
being  kept  from  all  destructive  mistakes :  Luke  xxiv.  45.  He 
that  is  disposed  to  admit  the  rays  of  divine  light,  may  depend 
upon  being  led  into  all  truth;  and  the  truth,  if  continued  in, 
shall  make  him  free :  J ohn  viii.  31,  32. 

Be  careful  to  do  the  will  of  God,  and  you  will  assuredly  be 
taught  the  doctrine  of  God.  Let  no  one  induce  you,  under  a 
show  of  holiness,  to  deny  the  doctrines  of  grace  on  the  one  hand, 
nor  suffer  the  lusts  of  the  flesh  to  abuse  them  on  the  other. 
Under  a  lively  sense  of  the  mercy  and  grace  of  God,  make  a  holy 
resolve  to  do  his  will ;  and  to  walk  continually  before  him  in  the 
land  of  the  living  :  Ps.  cxvi.  9.  Those  who  resemble  God  most, 
are  likely  to  understand  him  best.  Those  teachers,  and  those 
only,  who  are  sent  of  God,  are  to  be  received  by  us.  By  their 
fruits  ye  shall  know  them :  jMatt.  ^di.  15-20. 


108 


OF  A  BLESSING  UPON  THE  ORDINANCES. 


"  Therefore  with  joy  shall  ye  draw  water  out  of  the  wells  of  salvation.*^ 
Isa.  xii.  3. 

GODLINESS  is  of  a  powerful  nature  upon  the  soul ;  it  con. 
sists  not  in  form  and  shadow,  but  in  power  and  substance  ; 
not  in  notions  and  opinions,  but  in  the  real  enjoyment  of  Christ 
in  the  heart.  Those  who  attend  the  ordinances  from  no  better 
motive,  than  that  they  might  give  a  good  account  of  them,  talk 
fluently  about  them,  and  contend  earnestly  for  them,  are  content 
with  this :  and  feel  very  well  satisfied,  if,  according  to  their  own 
news  of  religion,  they  have  clear  heads ;  they  take  it  for  granted 
that  their  faith  is  sound,  although  it  neither  works  by  love,  nor 
purifies  the  heart :  Gal.  v.  6.  Not  so  with  those  who  enjoy  the 
life,  light,  liberty,  and  power  of  Christ  and  his  gospel.  "  There- 
fore,^^ because  the  Lord  is  your  God,  your  Strength,  and  your 
Song,  and  will  be  your  Salvation,  "  with  joy  shall  ye  draw  water  J' 
The  many  assurances  God  has  given  of  his  love  to  us,  and  our 
numerous  experiences  of  the  benefit  and  comfort  of  his  grace, 
should  strengthen  our  faith  in  him,  and  enlarge  our  expectations 
from  him  ;  for  "  out  of  the  ivells  of  salvation  "  in  God,  who  is  the 
Fountain  of  all  goodness,  whatever  ye  need,  whenever  ye  apply, 
"  ye  shall  dratv.^'  Only  keep  in  the  channel  made  by  him,  and  ye 
shall  meet  with  all  the  streams  of  love  that  flow  from  him :  Jer. 
xxxi.  9.  Observe, 

1st.  The  promises  of  God  revealed,  ratified,  and  given  out  to 
us  in  his  ordinances,  are    ivells  of  salvation^' 

2d.  It  is  our  duty  and  privilege,  to  take  to  ourselves  the  benefit 
and  comfort  that  are  treasured  up  in  them  for  us ;  and  by  faith 
to  draw  water  from  thence ;  seeing  all  our  springs  are  there,  and 
all  our  streams  from  thence  :  Ps.  Ixxxvii.  7. 

3d.  It  is  with  pleasure  that  we  shall  draw  water,  for  the  will 
of  God  is,  that  we  should  rejoice  before  and  rejoice  in  him : 
Deut.  xxvi.  11 ;  and  always  be  joyful  in  the  house  of  prayer : 
Isa.  Ixvi.  7 ;  keeping  his  feasts  with  gladness :  Acts  ii.  46.  Say 
not,  ^' I  am  too  weak  to  draw;"  for  he  says,  ye  shall  draw;^' 
yea,  and  with  joy "  too.  His  favor  shall  flow  to  you  and  ye 
shall  have  the  comfort  of  it :  Isa.  Iv.  1.  The  water  is  in  the 
wells,  and  ye  shall  have  the  comfort  of  it :  Isa.  Iv.  1. 


OF  A  BLESSING  UPON  THE  ORDINANCES.  109 


"  Where  two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in  my  name,  there  am  I  in  the 
tnidst  of  them,'*  — Msitt.  xviii.  20. 

O  UCH  is  the  love  the  Saviour  bears  to  his  followers,  and  the 


k-?  encouragement  given  them,  to  frequently  assemble  in  his 
name  for  Divine  worship,  that  he  assures  them  the  smallness  of 
their  numbers  shall  be  no  obstacle  in  his  way  of  meeting  with 
them :  Exod.  xx.  24.  Observe, 

1st.  The  duty  here  prescribed.  It  is  that  we  gather  our- 
selves together  in  Christ'' s  nameJ^  This  is  an  important  obliga- 
tion ;  and  implies  that  when  we  meet  for  the  purpose  of  divine 
worship,  we  should  do  it  with  reverence,  and  godly  fear:  Ps. 
Ixxxix.  7.  We  should  not  carelessly  rush  into  the  presence  of 
God ;  but  seek  a  necessary  preparation  of  heart :  Prov.  xvi.  1 ; 
and  go  with  a  desire  to  do  and  get  good :  Eccl.  v.  1,  2 ;  that  we 
may  be  prepared  to  receive  the  communications  of  his  grace : 
Ps.  xxvii.  4.  We  cannot  approach  God  in  our  own  names,  because 
we  are  sinners,  and  enemies  to  him  by  wicked  works :  Rom.  viii. 
7,  8 ;  nor  in  any  other  name  under  heaven,  than  that  of  Jesus  : 
Acts  iv.  12;  but  through  him  we  have  a  new  and  living  way 
opened  to  the  Father  of  all  our  mercies  :  John  xiv.  6.  Neither 
will  any  worship  be  acceptable  to  God,  but  that  which  is  sincere 
and  spiritual:  John  iv.  24.  Let  us,  then,  worship  him  in  the 
spirit,  rejoice  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  have  no  confidence  in  the 
flesh :  Eom.  viii.  26,  27. 

2d.  The  instructions  suggested.  The  Saviour  declares  himself 
to  be  "m  the  midst''  of  all  his  assemblies,  however  numerous, 
and  in  any  and  every  part  of  the  world  at  the  same  time,  which 
proves  him  to  be  omnipresent :  Matt,  xxviii.  20.  That  religious 
ordinances  are  of  divine  origin,  is  evident,  from  the  institution  and 
design  of  the  Sabbath:  Gen.  ii.  3.  The  positive  injunctions  of 
the  moral  law :  Exod.  xx.  8-11.  The  Mosaic  dispensation  of 
ceremonies :  Deut.  xvi.  16.  The  testimonies  and  examples  of  the 
patriarchs  and  prophets :  Ps.  Ixxxiv.  2-4.  The  examples  of 
Christ  in  the  days  of  his  flesh :  Luke  iv.  16 ;  and  the  practice 
of  the  primitive  Christians  :  Acts  xx.  7.  ^'  Where  ? ''  whether  in 
a  palace,  or  in  a  barn ;  in  a  temple,  or  in  the  field ;  whenever, 
wherever,  and  whoever,  gather  together  in  the  name  of  Christ, 
have  him  in  their  midst. 


110 


OF  GBACE  TO  MOKTIFY  SIN. 


"Ephraim  shall  say,  What  have  I  to  do  any  more  with  idols?**  —  Hos. 
xiv ,  8. 

THESE  words  are  a  part  of  a  sweet  dialogue  between  the 
Lord  and  Ephraim ;  which  signifies  growing.  The  Lord 
had  just  before  said,  "  I  will  be  as  the  dew  unto  Israel.^^  Now 
see  the  effects  of  this  grace.  Ephraim  says,  "  What  have  I  to  do 
any  more  with  idols."  Get  ye  hence,  cursed  idols,  my  vile  lusts ; 
and  that  vain  idol,  the  work  of  my  hands  ;  and  my  own  righteous- 
ness. I  abhor  the  former,  and  disclaim  the  latter ;  for  now  I 
find  my  Lord  is  mine,  and  I  am  his.  One  who  has  truly  repented 
of  his  sins,  is  one  who  has  quarrelled  with  his  sins ;  and  such  is 
the  hatred  he  has  to  sin,  whenever  it  presents  itself,  he  starts 
back  and  cries,  "  What  have  I  to  do  any  more  ivilh  idols  ?  Noth- 
ing shall  again  divide  my  heart.  How  can  I  do  this  great  wicked- 
ness, and  sin  against  God?  Gen.  xxxix.  9.  Ephraim  had  joined 
himself  to  idols  :  Hos.  iv.  17 ;  and  the  Lord  intended  to  give  him 
such  a  surfeit  of  sin,  that  he  should  forever  disown  it.  So  that, 
you  see  it  is  the  Lord  becomes  surety  for  his  servant.  "  Ephraim 
shall  say/^  &c.  The  desire  of  God  is,  that  sinners  should  repent 
and  turn  to  him  :  Ezek.  xiv.  6.  If  he  hears  but  a  sigh  from  the 
penitent  heart,  he  is  pleased  with  it:  Jer.  viii.  6.  The  Lord 
hates  nothing  but  sin.  He  sent  his  Son  to  make  an  end  of  sins, 
lest  sins  should  make  an  end  of  us  :  Dan.  ix.  24.  We  have  noth- 
ing to  dread  but  sin.  Sin  strikes  at  God's  holiness,  and  our 
happiness  ;  we  should,  therefore,  keep  up  a  constant  and  universal 
war  against  all  sorts  of  sins.  Eemember,  one  sin  threw  down  a 
righteous  Noah ;  another,  a  faithful  Abraham ;  another  the  meek 
Moses ;  another,  was  too  strong  for  Samson ;  another,  overcame 
pious  David ;  another,  the  wise  Solomon ;  another,  cast  down 
Paul ;  another,  knocked  down  the  champion  Peter ;  and  all 
together  crucified  the  Son  of  God.  The  more  you  know  of  God's 
greatness,  the  more  you  will  see  of  sin's  vileness  :  Eom.  vii.  13. 

Be  not  discouraged,  because  you  have  so  formidable  a  foe  to 
contend  with ;  for  as  is  your  day  so  is  your  strength.  The  grace 
of  God  is  always  sufficient :  2  Cor.  xii.  9.  Eor  his  strength  is 
made  perfect  in  thy  weakness. 


OF  GRACE  TO  MORTIFY  SIN. 


Ill 


"Walk  in  the  Spirit,  and  ye  shall  not  fulfil  the  lust  of  the  flesh.'*  —  GaX, 
V.  16. 

AS  every  renewed  soul  loves  to  enjoy  spiritual  and  heavenly 
objects,  so  the  unrenewed  part,  or  the  flesh,  lusts  after  those 
things  which  it  is  naturally  conversant  with,  and  from  which  it 
derives  its  happiness.  This  is  the  Christian's  conflict ;  and  hence 
the  necessity  of  watching  and  praying :  Matt.  xxvi.  41.  And 
well  would  it  be  for  all  who  name  the  name  of  Christ,  if,  instead 
of  rising  up  one  party  against  another,  they  would  all  unite 
against  the  one  common  foe,  sin :  Ps.  cxxxiii.  Every  renewed 
man  finds  a  struggle  between  the  old  and  the  new  nature,  between 
the  remainders  of  sin  and  the  beginnings  of  grace ;  and  in  this 
conflict  it  is  our  duty  and  interest  to  side  with  our  convic- 
tions against  our  corruptions.    We  are  here  told, 

1st.  The  course  to  be  pursued.  "  Walk  in  the  Spirit,^^  by  which 
ye  are  sanctified  and  renewed :  1  Cor.  vi.  11 ;  that  condescends  to 
dwell  in  your  heart :  Eom.  viii.  9  ;  and  assists  you  in  the  dis- 
charge of  all  your  duties  :  Eom.  viii.  26.  Walk  under  the  guid- 
ance, and  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit :  John  xvi.  13.  You,  no 
doubt,  feel  that  the  flesh  is  warring  against  the  spirit,  or  that 
gracious,  holy  influence  implanted  in  your  heart  by  the  Holy 
Spirit;  but  this  should  not  discourage  you:  for  it  is  positive 
proof  that  the  spirit  is  warring  against  the  flesh  :  Eom.  vii.  22, 
23.  Your  feeling  sin  living  in  you,  is  no  proof  you  are  living  in 
sin.  Ask  of  God,  and  he  will  give  you  his  Holy  Spirit,  to  enable 
you  to  mortify  every  sin  :  Luke  xi.  13. 

2d.  The  happy  result  will  be,  "  Ye  shall  not  fulfil  the  lust  of  the 
fleshJ^  Alas  !  what  woful  work  the  fulfilling  the  lust  of  the 
flesh  hath  made,  even  among  the  most  eminent  saints.  The  con- 
ceptions of  lust  are  the  productions  of  sin :  James  i.  15.  The 
commission  of  sin  loads  the  conscience  with  guilt ;  and  brings 
sickness  and  death  to  the  soul.  Hence,  the  many  alarming  symp- 
toms attendant  on  contracted  guilt ;  the  lashes  of  conscience,  the 
terrors  of  the  law,  distance  from  God,  dejection  of  soul,  coolness 
of  affection  to  Jesus,  backwardness  to  duty,  neglect  of  a  throne 
of  grace,  legal  fears,  and  bitterness  of  spirit. 


112 


OF  GRACE  AGAINST  TEMPTATION. 


"He  that  feareth  God  shall  come  forth  of  them  all.  "  —  Eccl.  vii.  18. 

THE  corrupt  inclination  of  our  nature  to  what  is  sinful,  is 
wliat  tlie  apostle  calls,  "  Sin  tliat  dwelletli  in  us  : Eom.  vii. 
17  ;  and  is  a  constant,  powerful  stimulus  to  the  actual  commission 
of  sin.  The  objects  around  us  prove  the  unhappy  occasions  of 
sin  to  us ;  our  company,  society,  callings,  and  circumstances,  fre- 
quently prove  temptations  to  sin.  The  world,  though  not  neces- 
sarily set  against  our  spiritual  interests,  is  an  enemy  to  our  souls  ; 
hence  the  apostle  calls  it  an  evil  world : Gal.  i.  4.  The  things 
of  the  world  are  suitable  to  our  corrupt  passions  and  appetites, 
and  excite  and  inflame  them  :  1  John  ii.  15.  The  devil  is  another 
great  enemy  of  our  souls,  and  is  continually  engaged  to  estrange 
our  affections  from  God,  to  the  practice  of  iniquity :  1  Pet.  v.  8. 
The  Scriptures  assure  us,  that  our  spiritual  foes  are  very  numer- 
ous :  Eph.  vi.  12.  Without,  we  have  fightings ;  within,  we  have 
fears.  But  greater  is  he  that  is  for  us,  than  all  that  can  be 
against  us.  Our  best  defence  against  temptation,  is  religion,  or, 
the  fear  of  the  Lord.  "  He  that  feareth  God,^^  need  fear  nothing 
else  :  Isa.  xxxv.  4.  Satan  may  tempt,  but  he  cannot  force,  nor 
take  away  your  crown  :  Jas.  i.  12.  The  least  sin  is  a  greater  evil 
than  the  greatest  temptation.  Were  you  an  empty  vessel,  the 
enemy  would  let  you  alone  ;  for  he  is  too  skilful  a  pirate  ever  to 
attack  an  empty  ship :  Heb.  iv.  15.  Up  with  your  faith,  and 
down  with  your  fears  ;  for  though  you  may  be  greatly  tempted, 
you  shall  be  greatly  supported  :  2  Cor.  xii.  9.  Your  greatest 
enemy  lies  in  your  own  bosom,  night  and  day  :  Jer.  xvii.  9.  Ee- 
sist  the  devil  and  he  will,  coward-like,  flee  from  you :  James  iv. 
7.  The  weapons  you  fight  with,  must  be  fervent  prayer,  and 
faith  in  the  promises  of  God ;  and  be  sure  you  keep  a  constant 
watch,  lest  you  be  taken  by  surprise  :  Eph.  vi.  18.  Prize  the 
word  of  God,  as  your  blessed  charter  of  salvation  :  plead  the 
promises  before  him ;  in  the  hour  of  temptation  fly  to  him ;  ex- 
pect all  you  need  from  him  ;  even  victory  over  all  sin,  deliverance 
from  all  trouble,  holiness  here,  and  glory  hereafter.  A  host  of 
foes  can  never  harm  you,  while  you  serve  the  Lord  of  hosts :  1 
Cor.  X.  13.    For  his  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee  :  2  Cor.  xii.  9^ 


OF  GBACE  AGAINST  TEMPTATION. 


113 


"Blessed  is  the  man  that  endureth  temptation  :  for  wfien  he  is  tried  he 
shall  receive  the  crown  of  life,  which  the  Lord  hath  promised  to  them  that  love 
him.  "  —  James  i.  12. 

THE  Bible  is  the  Christian's  charter ;  it  is  therefore  our 
highest  wisdom  to  study  it^  and  to  judge  of  God's  love  to  us 
from  his  word  and  promises,  and  not  from  our  circumstanceSj 
trials,  and  feelings.  Observe, 

1st.  ''Blessed  is  the  man,^^  whoever  he  may  be,  or  whatever 
might  be  his  condition,  ^^that  endureth  temptation."  A  man  may 
suffei^  much,  and  not  be  said  to  endure  anything ;  but  he  who 
patiently  endures,  and  with  constancy  goes  through  all  difficulties 
in  the  way  of  his  duty,  is  truly  blessed  :  Heb.  ii.  18. 

2d.  Afflictions,  whatever  might  be  their  nature,  are  so  far  from 
taking  away  the  happiness  of  a  man  who  loves  God,  that  they 
only  tend  to  increase  it.  So  that  no  temptations  need  make  us 
miserable,  since  God  designs  them  to  make  us  comfortable  ;  for 
"blessed  is  the  man  that  endureth  temptation." 

3d.  A  tried  Christian  is  sure  to  be  a  crowned  one.  "  Wlieii  lie 
is  tried,""  when  he  is  approved,  when  his  graces  are  found  to  be 
genuine,  and  his  integrity  manifested  ;  when  he  has  been  refined 
as  metals  are  in  the  fire,  when  all  his  dross  has  been  taken  away, 
and  "  sterlhig  "  has  been  stamped  upon  him,  "  he  shall  receive  the 
crown  of  Ufe.'^  We  who  bear  the  cross  in  time,  shall  wear  the 
crown  in  eternity  :  2  Cor.  v.  1. 

4th.  The  future  blessedness,  involved  in  a  crown  of  life,  is  a 
thing  promised  to  every  righteous  sufferer,  by  the  God  of  truth  ; 
and  may  therefore  be  safely  depended  upon.  "  Tlie  Lord  hatJi 
promised  "  it ;  and  will  give  it :  2  Tim.  iv.  8. 

5th.  We  must  endure  temptation  from  a  principle  of  love  to 
God,  in  order  to  sustain  the  character  to  whom  this  promised 
crown  shall  be  given ;  otherwise  we  are  not  interested  in  the 
promise.  "  The  Lord  hath  promised  to  tJiem  that  love  Idm.^^  And 
whatever  we  may  suffer,  or  do,  if  it  arises  not  from  a  sincere  love 
to  God  and  man,  it  will  never  be  pleasing  to  God  :  1  Cor.  xiii.  3. 
Temptations,  or  trials,  from  God,  can  never  injure  us  ;  they  being 
designed  to  improve  us :  Gen.  xxii.  1 ;  Heb.  xi.  11.  The  Lord 
knoweth  how  to  deliver  the  godly  out  of  temptation. 


114 


OF  VICTORY  OVER  THE  WORLD. 


"  To  deliver  thee  from  the  way  of  the  evil  man,  from  the  man  that  speaketh 
f reward  things."  —  Prov.  ii.  12. 

"^^T~OTHI]SrG  will  kill  tlie  love  of  a  bewitching,  deceitful  world, 
-i-^  in  a  deceitful  heart,  but  a  sight  of  heaven  by  faith.  The 
world  we  are  in  most  danger  of  being  ensnared  by,  is,  that  de- 
praved and  blind  multitude  Avho  love  themselves,  or  the  creature, 
without  paying  any  regard  to  the  Creator :  Eph.  ii.  2,  3 ;  and 
who  have  such  an  enmity  to  God,  that  they  hate  all  who  love 
him  :  John  xv.  19.  But  if  you  have  the  grace  of  God  in  your 
heart,  that  will  produce  a  hope  of  heaven  in  the  soul ;  and  "  deliver 
you  from  the  imy  of  the  evil  man/^  which  will  be  a  blessed  deliver- 
ance ;  for  his  way  leads  to  death :  Prov.  xiv.  12.  The  enemy  is 
here  spoken  of  as  one,  when,  the  fact  is,  there  is  a  whole  gang  of 
them  ;  all  engaged,  as  one  man,  to  oppose  religion ;  and  are  united, 
heart  and  hand,  to  support  the  kingdom  of  Satan :  Isa.  xxviii. 

14,  15.  But  you  need  not  fear  them,  for  you  shall  have  a  com- 
plete victory  over  them  :  1  John  v.  4.  Wisdom,  which  is  religion, 
will  keep  you  from  falling  into  their  snares ;  so  that  while  you 
are  in  the  world,  you  shall  be  kept  from  the  evil  of  the  world : 
John  xvii.  15,  16.  Those  of  the  world  are  generally  known  by 
their  conversation ;  they  speak  '^froward  tiling s.'^^  To  show  their 
own  enmity  to  religion,  and  to  dissuade  others  from  it,  they  speak 
all  they  can  against  it ;  and  are  fond  of  cavilling  with  the  word 
of  God  ;  and  are  never  better  pleased  than  when  they  think  they 
have  been  successful  in  their  endeavors  :  Gal.  iii.  1.  From  those 
who  openly  deny  all  religion,  you  have  but  little  to  fear  :  because 
you  know  therii :  1  John  iv.  4 ;  but  the  greatest  enemies  to  Chris- 
tianity are  to  be  found  amongst  those  who  are  called  Christians ; 
who,  while  they  make  a  profession  of  piety,  practise  iniquity  : 
Eph.  V.  12.  Of  all  men  upon  earth,  a  worldly-minded  professor 
is  most  to  be  pitied,  and  none  so  much  to  be  dreaded ;  they  strive 
to  keep  God  and  the  world,  while  they  enjoy  neither :  1  John  ii. 

15.  Search  the  word  of  God,  keep  and  study  it ;  that  directs 
thee  to  Christ,  who  is  the  Way,  the  Truth,  and  the  Life.  The 
only  way  to  happiness  is  the  way  of  holiness )  walk  in  it;  and 
shun  every  evil  way. 


OF  VICTORY  OVER  THE  WORLD. 


115 


"  Who  gave  himself  for  our  sins,  that  he  might  deliver  us  from  this  present 
evil  world. ' '  —  Gal.  i.  4. 

"TTTHEIST  the  world  came  out  of  the  hands  of  its  Creator,  it  was 


declared  by  him  to  be  ''very  good;^^  but  the  sin  of  man 
ruined  it,  and  brought  it  and  himself  under  a  curse  :  Gen.  i.  31 ; 
iii.  17,  18.  The  present  world,  which  was  made  a  blissful  world 
by  God,  is  now  an  enemy  to  our  souls ;  therefore  the  apostle  calls 
it  an  ''  evil  world.^^  Not  as  though  it  were  evil  in  itself,  and  neces- 
sarily set  against  our  spiritual  interests  ;  no,  but  the  things  of  the 
world,  being  suitable  to  our  corrupt  passions  and  appetites,  excite 
and  inflame  them,  like  unwholesome  food,  that  is  pleasant  to  the 
taste,  but  feeds  the  disease.  Every  creature  of  God  would  be 
good,  if  rightly  used :  1  Tim.  iv.  4.    Observe,  then, 

1st.  This  present  world  is  an  evil  world,  on  account  of  sin  that  . 
made  it  such;  and  the  sin,  sorrow,  pains,  and  calamities  with 
which  it  abounds  ;  and  the  many  snares  and  temptations  to  which 
we  are  exposed  while  we  remain  in  it.    But  though  we  have  to 
live  in  it,  if  we  are  Christians,  we  are  not  of  it:  J ohn  xv.  19. 


2d.  Jesus  Christ  ''gave  iiimself  for  our  sins/^  as  a  great  sacrifice 
to  make  atonement  for  us :  2  Cor.  v.  21 ;  ^^  that  he  might  deliver 
us  from  this  present  evil  world.'^  Not  that  he  might  immediately 
take  us  out  of  it,  but  deliver  us  from  the  power  and  evil  of  it : 
John  xvii.  15.  We  are  only  travellers  through  it ;  and  while  in 
it,  we  shall  have  to  do  with  it ;  but  must  be  careful  to  keep  our- 
selves unspotted  from  it :  James  i.  27.  By  living  to  Christ,  we 
become  dead  to  the  world  ;  and  by  dying  to,  we  obtain  a  victory 
over  it :  Gal.  vi.  14.  Christ  has  wrought  out  a  deliverance  for  us, 
but  we  can  never  enjoy  it  but  by  faith  in  his  merits ;  he  died  to 
save  us  /rom  our  sins  when  he  died  for  our  sins  :  Matt.  i.  21. 
And  no  one  can  consistently  call  him  their  Saviour,  who  is  living 
in  sin ;  and  was  it  not  a  sin  to  live  under  the  power  and  influence 
of  the  world,  he  would  never  have  given  himself  to  deliver  us 
from  it ;  and  if  Christ  Jesus  has  not  saved  us  from  sin,  I  am  at  a 
loss  to  know  what  he  has  saved  us  from.  To  obtain  a  victory 
over  the  world,  you  must  fight  against  it,  in  the  strength  of  the 
dear  Eedeemer  who  gave  himself  for  us  :  John  xvi.  33. 


For. 


116 


OF  VICTORY  OYER  THE  DEYIL. 


"/  will  put  enmity  betv\reen  thee  and  the  woman,  and  between  thy  seed  an4 
her  seed ;  it  shall  bruise  thy  head,  and  thou  shalt  bruise  his  heel."  —  Gen. 
iii.  15. 

HEEE  we  have  war  proclaimed  between  the  seed  of  the 
woman  and  the  seed  of  the  serpent.    There  are  two  par- 
ticulars which  demand  our  serious  attention. 

First.  The  Lord  put  enmity  between  the  serpent  and  the  wo- 
man^ and  between  his  seed  and  her  seed.  1st.  The  serpent  is 
addressed,  but  the  devil  is  intended.  He  is  called  the  dragon, 
that  old  serpent,  which  is  the  devil,  and  Satan  : Eev.  xx.  2.  The 
following  reasons  may  be  assigned  why  he  is  called  a  serpent. 
He  assumed  that  form  when  he  tempted  Eve  :  ver.  1 ;  he  is  crafty, 
subtle,  and  cunning :  2  Cor.  ii.  11 ;  and  his  influence  on  man 
resembles  the  deadly  bite  of  a  serpent :  Gen.  xlix.  17.  2d.  The 
woman  is  named,  because  she  was  deceived  by  the  serpent :  1  Tim. 
ii.  14.  3d.  Wicked  men  are  influenced  by  the  seed  of  the  serpent ; 
he  is  their  father,  and  they  do  his  works  :  John  viii.  44.  The  old 
serpent  is  an  enemy  of  God ;  and  so  are  all  his  children :  Rom. 
viii.  7.  All  our  sinful  lusts  and  works  spring  from  the  same 
seed.  4th.  The  seed  of  the  ivonian is  the  Saviour  of  the  world, 
the  only  begotten  Son  of  God :  Gal.  iv.  4 ;  1  John  ii.  2.  Christ, 
and  all  believers  in  him,  are  of  the  ivomari^s  seed ;  they  being  one 
in  him  their  living  Head :  Col.  i.  18,  19.  6th.  God  put  enmity 
between  these  parties ;  and  no  one  can  ever  reconcile  them :  for 
the  devil  is  sinful  and  polluted ;  Christ  is  pure  and  holy,  the  devil 
is  a  destroyer ;  Christ  is  a  Saviouk,  the  devil  is  a  cruel  tyrant ; 
Christ  is  a  mild  Prince;  the  devil  is  to  be  destroyed :  Heb.  ii.  14 ; 
Christ  must  i^eign  and  conquer:  1  Cor.  xv.  25. 

Secondly.  The  seed  of  the  woman  was  to  bruise  the  serpent's 
head,  and  the  serpent  was  to  bruise  his  heel.  This  language  is 
figurative,  and  we  understand  it  to  mean,  1st.  By  the  head  of  the 
serpent,  the  mischievous  power  of  the  devil.  The  life,  power,  and 
poison  of  the  serpent  lie  in  its  head.  2d.  The  Saviour  came  into 
the  world  to  bruise  his  head.  See  the  first  conflict :  Matt.  iv. 
1-11.  3d.  To  bruise  his  head,  is  to  crush  his  power :  Eev.  xx. 
10.  4th.  Christ  gave  a  death-blow  to  the  serpent  in  his  death 
and  resurrection ;  1  Cor.  xv.  20-22. 


••I  will  put  enmity  between  thee  and  the  woman."  —  Page  116. 


Lm^Y  ' 

OF  THE 
UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS 


OF  VICTORY  OVER  THE  DEVIL. 


117 


"Resist  the  devil,  and  fie  will  flee  from  you.  "  —  James  iv.  7. 

THIISTK  not;  believer,  that  thou  art  not  a  son  of  the  God  of 
Peace,  nor  a  subject  of  the  Prince  of  Peace,  because  thou  art 
daily  in  wars  and  fightings.  True,  when  the  delightful  sound  of 
peace  is  declared  in  thy  heart,  and  thou  art  enjoying  a  comfort- 
able sense  of  peace  in  thy  conscience,  some  sinful  passion,  some 
rebel  lust,  or  some  fiery  dart  of  the  adversary,  makes  a  sudden 
attack  upon  thee ;  but  then,  this  combined  power  is  a  scriptural 
mark  that  thou  art  born  of  God ;  and  that  Jesus  is  thy  peace  : 
Eph.  ii.  13,  14.  The  world,  with  all  its  vanities,  its  smiles  and 
frowns,  its  promises  and  threatenings,  and  ungodly  men,  animated 
by  the  god  of  this  world,  are  all  at  war  with  thee,  because  thou 
art  not  one  of  them,  but  of  the  kingdom  of  Jesus.  But  this 
should  only  serve  to  strengthen  thy  mind,  rather  than  cast  thee 
down.  Satan  tried  to  make  the  Saviour  question  his  sonship  ; 
tempted  him  to  distrust ;  covetousness ;  idolatry ;  and  self-mur- 
der ;  but  did  that  prove  he  was  not  the  Son  of  God  ?  Matt.  iv. 
1-11.  The  Devil  is  a  chained  enemy,  and  you  have  only  to  keep 
off  his  ground ;  and  then,  though  he  may  bark  at  you,  he  cannot 
bite  you. 

Attend,  1st,  to  the  exhortation  here  given :  Resist  the  deviV* 
Whenever  he  comes  knocking  at  the  door  of  your  heart,  suffer 
him  not  to  gain  admittance  by  opening  the  door,  before  you  have 
carefully  ascertained  who,  or  what,  you  are  about  to  admit.  It 
will  not  do,  simply  to  ask.  Who  is  there  ?  for  he  is  sure  to  deny 
his  name,  and  feign  himself  what  he  really  is  not :  2  Cor.  xi.  14. 
Never  suppose  that  he  is  always  dressed  in  black.  Come  in  what 
iress,  or  form,  he  may,  he  has  but  one  design :  1  Pet.  v.  8.  The 
:levil  cannot  pray  ;  and  fears  nothing  so  much  ;  resist  him  with 
it.  Should  he  tempt  you  to  pride,  resist  him  with  Ps.  cxxxviii. 
6 ;  if  to  distrust,  with  Ps.  Ixxxiv.  11 ;  if  to  slothfulness,  with 
Prov.  xxi.  25 ;  and  if  to  sin,  in  any  wise,  with  Kom.  vi.  23.  Put 
on  the  whole  armor  of  God,  and  use  it  manfully  :  Eph.  vi.  14-18. 
For, 

2d.  The  promise  is,  ''He  will  flee  from  you,^'  and  leave  you  in 
possession  of  the  field ;  Phil.  iv.  13  The  devil  can  tempt,  and 
swagger;  but  he  is  a  rank  coward  when  it  comes  to  the  fight 
Resist  hirau 


118 


OF  STRENGTH  AND  COUKAGE. 


"Be  of  good  courage,  and  he  sha//  strengthen  your  heart,  ail  ye  thai  hope 
in  the  Lord.  "  —  Ps.  xxxi.  24. 

COME,  poor,  hoping,  trembling,  doubting  believer  in  Jesus ! 
Look  at  this  precious  promise !  and  then  give  your  fears  to 
the  winds.  Do  not  say,  "  What  have  I  to  do  with  the  children's 
bread  ?  I  am  so  fickle,  weak,  and  unworthy,  that  I  fear  to  ask 
even  for  the  crumbs.''  Well,  admitting  all  you  say  to  be  true, 
this  promise  assuredly  belongs  to  you.  But  to  remove  all  doubts, 
we  will  notice, 

1st.  The  character  of  those  to  whom  the  promise  is  made. 
^'All  ye  that  hope  in  the  Lord.'^  Hope  is  the  firm  expectation  of 
some  good.  If  we  do  not  believe  an  object  anticipated  to  be 
good,  we  dread  its  approach,  instead  of  seeking  for  its  enjoyment. 
To  hope  in  the  Lord,  is  to  confidently  expect  all  the  good  we 
need  from  him ;  and  which  he  has  promised :  Ps.  Ixxxiv.  11 ;  2 
Tim.  i.  12.  God  is  the  fountain  of  all  goodness  :  Jas.  i.  17. 
Hence,  all  who  hope  in  him,  expect  from  his  providence,  their 
needful  supplies  ;  from  his  mercy,  a  pardon  for  their  sins ;  from 
his  wisdom,  direction  in  their  difficulties  ;  from  his  power,  sup- 
port and  defence;  and  from  his  love,  all  that  grace  and  glory 
which  he  hath  promised  to  all  his  believing  children:  Ps.  cxix. 
49 ;  Rom.  xv.  4.  This  hojje  is  an  active,  vigorous,  and  purifying 
principle  :  1  John  iii.  3. 

2d.  The  advice  given.  Be  of  good  courageJ^  Courage  is 
active  fortitude ;  and  when  it  arises  from  a  sense  of  duty,  and 
fear  of  offending  God,  it  always  acts  agreeably  to  reason  and 
religion.  We  should  attend  to  this  advice,  from  a  consideration 
of  the  difficulties  and  dangers  that  attend  us  ;  of  the  cause  in 
which  we  are  engaged ;  of  our  Captain  under  whose  banner  we 
fight;  of  the  certainty  of  victory;  and  of  the  glorious  rewards 
that  await  us  :  Eom.  viii.  37-39.  No  foe  can  foil  us,  no  enemy 
can  vanquish  us,  while  we  hope  in  the  Lord :  Ps.  xci.  4,  5. 

3d.  Strength  promised.  He  shall  strengthen  your  heart  J'  By 
the  heart  here,  is  meant  the  soul,  with  all  its  powers ;  the  under- 
standing, conscience,  will,  affections,  and  memory ;  all  of  which 
God  will  strengthen,  by  illuminating  the  mind,  and  drawing  the 
affections  to  himself. 


OF  STRENGTH  AND  COUKAGE. 


"  God  hath  not  given  us  the  spirit  of  fear  ;  but  of  power,  and  of  Iovb,  and 
of  a  sound  mind.  "  —  2  Tim.  i.  7. 

EFFECTS  prove  their  cause.  And  a  slavish  fear  arises  from 
a  consciousness  of  guilt ;  but  where  sin  is  removed,  a  fear  • 
of  punishment  is  taken  away.  jSTothing  tends  more  to  mar  our 
usefulness,  than  a  base  fear ;  it  was  this  that  caused  the  wicked 
servant  to  bury  his  talent,  when  he  ought  to  have  traded  with  it : 
Matt.  XXV.  25.  All  men  are  to  be  loved,  but  no  man  is  to  be 
feared:  Luke  xii.  4,  5.  God  hath  taken  from  us  the  spirit  of 
fear ;  but  observe,  attentively,  what  he  has  given  to  us  in  lieu 
of  it. 

1st.  "The  spirit  of  power, of  courage,  and  resolution,  to  meet 
all  dangers  and  difficulties,  with  becoming  boldness,  as  the  sons 
of  God :  Acts  XX.  23,  24. 

2d.  "  The  spirit  of  love to  God,  which  will  not  fail  to  raise 
us  far  above  the  fear  of  man,  and  all  that  men  can  do  unto  us : 
Rom.  viii.  31. 

3d.  "  The  spirit  of  a  sound  mind ;  or,  a  quiet,  peaceable  mind ; 
so  that  we  shall  be  able  to  enjoy  ourselves  under  all  circum* 
stances.  We  have  frequently  much  to  discourage  us  in  our  way 
of  duty,  by  the  creatures  of  our  own  disordered  imagination ; 
which  a  sound,  sober,  solid,  thinking  mind,  would  completely 
remove :  Keh.  vi.  11,  12.  The  Spirit  God  gives  to  his  ministers 
and  people,  is  not  a  fearful,  but  courageous  Spirit.  Child  of  God ! 
member  of  Jesus,  how  safe !  how  secure  is  your  salvation  !  Only 
think  upon  what  the  God  of  your  salvation  is,  what  he  has  done, 
and  promised,  and  your  fears  will  fly  before  your  faith,  like  chaff 
before  the  wind.  Your  strength  lies  in  the  Lord ;  and  you  can 
realize  it  only  by  faith  in  his  word.  The  spirit  of  love  to  God 
and  man,  needs  only  to  be  exercised  to  inspire  with  new  life,  and 
strengthen  your  feeblest  powers  ;  while  a  sound  mind  wdll  make 
you  bold  as  a  lion :  Prov.  xxviii.  1 ;  and  enable  you  to  face  the 
most  daring  foe,  as  David  did  Goliah;  trusting  alone  in  the 
strength  of  the  God  of  Israel :  Prov.  xxix.  25.  Let  those  fear 
whose  consciences,  being  laden  with  guilt,  and  armed  with  ven- 
geance, are  their  unwearied  tormentors ;  but  do  you  take  fresh 
courage  ;  for,  as  you  never  did,  so  you  never  will,  have  any  cause 
to  complain :  2  Cor.  xii.  9.    Be  strong  in  the  Lord. 


120 


OF  WISDOM. 


"For  God  giveth  to  a  man  that  is  good  in  his  sight,  wisdom,  and  knowU 
edge,  and  joy. ' '  —  Eccl.  ii.  26. 

THE  united  testimonies  of  reason,  revelation,  and  experience, 
prove  that  man  is  a  lapsed  and  indigent  creature ;  and  not 
only  the  vulgar  and  illiterate,  but  also  the  best  and  most  learned 
philosophers,  have  ever  been  ignorant  of  the  nature  and  true 
character  of  God,  till  taught  by  him  :  1  Cor.  i.  21.  While  a  man 
is  asleep  he  may  dream  that  he  is  awake,  and  believe  all  imaginary 
objects  to  be  real ;  so  a  man  may  think  himself  wise  while  pur 
suing  folly :  Prov.  xxvi.  12.  The  only  way  to  become  truly  wise, 
is  to  become  truly  good.  For, 

1st.  God  giveth  to  a  man  that  is  good  in  his  sight,  wisdom.^^ 
To  be  good  in  the  sight  of  God,  is  to  be  righteous  before  him : 
Gen.  vii.  1.  To  be  good,  is  to  enjoy  good,  by  keeping  the  com- 
mandments of  God ;  and  meditating  in  his  law  both  day  and 
night :  Ps.  i.  1-3.  And  by  being  good  we  gain  good,  and  wisdom 
to  make  a  right  use  of  the  good  we  gain :  Eccl.  ii.  13. 

2d.  He  giveth  knoioledge "  to  the  good ;  so  that,  by  the 
infinite  wisdom  of  God,  and  by  means  of  their  spiritual  knowl- 
edge, and  prudence,  they  shall  either  avoid  trouble  or  get  out  of 
it :  Prov.  xi.  9.  But  the  simple  pass  on  and  are  punished :  Prov. 
xxii.  3. 

3d.  He  gives  to  the  good  man  "joy;^^  and  which  is  excited 
by  the  Holy  Ghost :  Gal.  v.  22.  Gladness  is  sown  for  the  upright, 
and  they  alone  can  reap  it :  Ps.  xcvii.  11.  The  ground  or  object 
of  one's  rejoicing  is  called  his  "joy;^''  thus  God  is  the  joy,  the 
exceeding  joy,  of  all  who  are  good  in  ''his  sight;  however  vile 
they  may  seem  in  the  sight  of  others  :  Ps.  xliii.  4. 

The  wisdom  God  gives  to  a  man  makes  him  patient  in  adversity  i 
thankful  in  prosperity ;  and  enables  him  to  direct  all  his  steps  to 
the  glory  of  God  :  Ps.  xxxvii.  23.  A  good  man  is  wise  because 
he  is  taught  of  God ;  and  they  needs  must  be  wise  who  have  in- 
finite Wisdom  for  their  instructor  :  Ps.  xix.  7.  What  the  world 
calls  wisdom,  God  calls  foolishness :  1  Cor.  iii.  19.  Jesus,  your 
Saviour,  is  your  Prophet,  to  teach,  your  Priest  to  atone,  and  your 
king  to  rule  by  love  in  your  heart.  Cost  what  it  may,  have  what 
God  calls  wisdom  i  it  is  within  your  reach. 


OF  WISDOM. 


121 


'*  But  of  him  are  ye  in  Ciirisf  Jesus,  who  of  God  is  made  unto  us  wisdom, 
and  righteousness,  and  sanctificafion,  and  redemption.  "  —  1  Cor.  i.  30. 

/^^  OD  is  a  full,  free,  and  overflowing  Fountain  of  goodness; 
vJ^  and  all  the  good  we  have  flows  from  him,  through  Jesus 
Christ  as  the  channel  of  conveyance.  By  nature,  we  are  all 
foolish,  ignorant,  and  blind,  in  those  things  that  belong  to  God 
and  our  soul's  happiness  :  1  Cor.  iii.  19 ;  but  whatever  we  are 
deficient  in  ourselves,  we  have  in  Christ.  For, 

1st.  He  is  made  of  God  unto  us  Wisdom.^^  The  believer  in 
Christ  is  truly  wise;  for  being  conscious  that  sin  would  render 
the  future  part  of  his  life  bitter,  and  death  dreadful,  he  has  not 
only  secured  an  evidence  of  pardon  for  the  past,  but  follows  after 
holiness  as  a  necessary  qualification  for  happiness  here  and  here- 
after :  Prov.  xix.  8.  A  believer  who  is  truly  wise  is  truly  humble  ; 
knowing  that  he  is  indebted  to  Christ  for  his  wisdom  ;  in  whom 
are  hid  the  treasures  of  wisdom  :  Col.  ii.  3.   We  are  guilty.  But, 

2d.  Christ  is  made  "  oiir  Righteousness ^  He  is  the  procurer 
and  bestower  of  all  that  righteousness  which  believers  in  him 
possess:  Jer.  xxiii.  6.    We  are  corrupt  and  depraved.  But, 

3d.  He  is  made  our  Sanctijication,^^  the  Source  of  our  spiritual 
life  ;  he  being  the  Vine  and  we  the  branches  ;  we  are  the  par- 
takers of  the  same  nature  with  him ;  whatever  may  be  the  nature 
of  the  Head,  the  members  partake  of  the  same.  By  nature,  and 
practice,  we  are  bound  in  the  cords  of  sin.  But, 

4th.  He  is  made  to  us  ''Redemption,'^  our  Saviour  and  Deliverer. 
He  is  our  complete  Eedemption;  frees  us  from  sin,  discharges 
from  the  guilt  and  power  of  it,  and  the  body  from  the  power  of 
the  grave :  1  Cor.  xv.  65-57.  Whatever  you  may  be  ignorant  of 
beside,  endeavor  to  become  more  and  more  acquainted  with  Christ ; 
a  knowledge  of  him  is  a  wonderful  mystery.  To  know  Christ  is 
to  make  him  your  consolation,  delight,  companion,  and  end.  The 
Christian  becomes  wiser  every  day :  a  child  may  play  with  a 
snake;  but  a  man  gets  as  far  from  it  as  he  can.  If  you  lack 
wisdom,  ask  of  God ;  He  will  give  it  you  :  Jas.  i.  5.  To  be  truly 
wise,  is  to  possess  Christ,  who  is  not  only  wisdom,  but  the  wisdoia 
of  God:  1  Cor.  i.  24. 


122 


OF  DIVINE  GUIDANCE. 


And  the  Lord  shall  guide  thee  continually.  "  —  Isa.  Iviii.  11. 

THIS  world  is  a  wilderness,  dark,  dreary,  and  dangerous ;  and 
through  which  all  Zion's  travellers  have  to  pass,  ere  they  can 
arrive  at  Heaven,  their  home :  Heb.  xiii.  14.  Were  we  to  be  left 
to  ourselves,  but  for  one  moment,  we  should  certainly  miss  our 
way :  Jer.  x.  23 ;  and  the  thought  of  this  may  be  a  source  of 
grief  to  the  believer,  when  he  looks  too  much  to  himself,  and  too 
little  to  the  promises  of  God.  But  let  it  ever  be  remembered  by 
you,  that  he  who  marked  out  the  way,  has  engaged  himself  to 
guide  you  in  the  way.  Observe, 

1st.  "  The  Lord strong  and  mighty,  the  Lord  mighty  in  battle, 
whose  wisdom  knows  no  bound,  and  whose  goodness  is  equal  to 
his  power  and  knowledge,  hath  engaged  to  be  our  Guide  even 
unto  death  :  Ps.  xlviii.  14.  And  lest  you  should  consider  it  too 
great  a  condescension  for  the  Lord  who  is  so  high,  to  stoop  so 
low  as  to  notice  a  creature  so  ungrateful  and  vile,  and  in  order 
to  remove  all  your  scruples,  it  is  said,  "  The  Lord  shall  guide 
theeJ^  With  such  a  guide  what  have  you  to  fear  ?  Surely,  he 
who  has  promised  is  well  able  to  perform  his  promise  !  and  of  his 
willingness  there  can  be  no  doubt :  Heb.  xiii.  5.  Your  way  may 
be  dark,  but  your  Gruide  is  light :  1  John  i.  5.  Your  pj*th  may 
be  rugged  all  through,  and  tribulation  surround  you,  but  your 
Guide  will  furnish  you  with  strength  in  proportion  to  your  day : 
2  Cor.  xii.  9.  You  may,  yea,  will  have  fightings  without,  but 
you  have  peace  in  Jesus :  John  xvi.  33 ;  and  through  him,  will 
assuredly  have  a  supply  of  all  things  needful  for  your  journey : 
Phil.  iv.  19.  And  you  may  depend  upon  being  brought  in  safety 
to  your  journey's  end  :  Ps.  Ixxiii.  24.  For, 

2d.  "  The  Lord  shall  guide  thee  continually.'^^  He  will  not 
guide  you  in  fair  weather,  and  leave  you  in  a  storm ;  no,  but  in 
all  straits,  trials,  dangers,  troubles,  afflictions,  and  difficulties,  he 
shall  guide  thee  :  Isa.  xxx.  21,  22 ;  through  fire  and  water :  Isa. 
xliii.  2 ;  through  life  and  death :  Ps.  xxiii.  4 ;  through  every 
change  of  life,  and  under  all  circumstances ;  through  the  gloom 
of  dejection  and  mists  of  corruption,  through  every  condition  i» 
life  and  in  death,  "The  Lord  shall  guide  thee  continually." 


OP  DIVINE  GUIDANCE. 


123 


"  He  will  guide  you  into  all  truth.''  — John  xvi.  13. 

HAS  tlie  Holy  Spirit  of  God  convinced  you  of  sin,  of  the 
curse  of  the  law  for  it,  of  the  wrath  of  God  as  revealed 
against  all  sin,  so  that  you  have  fled  for  refuge  to  the  bleeding 
wounds  of  Jesus,  who  came  to  save  his  people  from  their  sins  ? 
If  so,  you  are  truly  blessed,  being  saved  from  the  worst  of  all 
sins,  unbelief;  the  Spirit  has  glorified  Christ  in  your  eyes  and  to 
your  heart  and  Christ  will  assuredly  glorify  your  soul,  with  him 
in  his  heavenly  kingdom.  The  blessed  Spirit,  by  taking  the 
things  of  Christ  and  revealing  them  unto  you,  has  acted  the  part 
of  a  Quickener  and  Comforter ;  but  do  not  suppose  that  his  work 
is  done,  and  you  will  now  be  left  to  shift  for  yourself.  0  no ; 
his  work  is  not  finished ;  he  has  not  done  with  you  yet.  For, 

1st.  "He  IV ill  guide  you^  The  Guide  here  promised  has  been, 
and  continues  to  be  the  guide  of  all  true  believers  in  Jesus ;  for 
all  who  are  born  of  God  are  led  by  the  Spirit  of  God :  Eom.  viii. 
14.  You,  no  doubt,  are  sensible  of  your  own  dulness,  and  how 
liable  you  are  to  make  mistakes  ;  but  this  should  not  discourage 
you,  though  your  way  may  appear  dark  and  crooked :  Isa.  xlii. 
16.  It  is  true,  the  path  is  narrow,  and  many  snares  are  laid  for 
your  feet,  but  never  let  that  trouble  you ;  for  your  Guide  is  well 
acquainted  with  every  inch  of  the  road ;  and  having  led  so  many 
through,  you  may  safely  depend  upon  him :  Isa.  xxx.  21.  Your 
spirit  may  have  to  pass  through  sore  conflicts,  and  seem  ready  to 
faint ;  and  the  enemy  may  suggest,  that  you  may  as  well  give  up, 
for  you  will  never  hold  out  to  the  end,  seeing  that  you  are  sur- 
rounded by  so  many  difficulties  and  errors.  But  let  not  that 
trouble  you.  For, 

2d.  He  will  not  only  lead  you  out  of  the  destructive  paths  of 
pride,  self-will,  and  self-righteousness,  but  will  guide  you  "into 
all  truth.'^^  The  truth  is  the  poor,  guilty  sinner's  only  hope.  The 
truth  assures  us,  that  the  Lord  laid  all  our  sins  upon  Jesus  : 
1  Pet.  ii.  24;  whose  blood  cleanses  from  all  sin:  1  John  i. 
7.  Whatever  is  needful  for  you  to  know,  you  shall  be  made 
acquainted  with :  Ps.  xxxii.  8.  He  will  guide  you  as  an  instructor 
does  a  scholar,  and  as  a  guide  does  a  traveller :  Kom.  viii.  14.  Be 
careful  to  listen  to,  depend  upon  and  follow  your  Guide. 


124 


OF  ABILITY  FOR  GOOD  DISCOURSE. 


"  The  mouth  of  the  just  bringeth  forth  wisdom.''^  — Prov.  x.  31. 

SOME  men  talk  to  please  others ;  while  others  talk  to  please 
themselves  ;  and  the  mouth  of  a  fool  is  full  of  words  :  Eccl. 
X.  14.  Not  so  with  true  Christians^  who  are  called  Ji^s^,  or  right- 
eous, on  account  of  their  being  justified  by  faith  in  Jesus  :  Rom. 
V.  1 ;  and  living  by  faith  upon  him,  who  distinguishes  them  from 
unbelievers,  who  are  called  unjust :  Eom.  i.  17.  A  fool  tells  all 
that  he  knows ;  while  the  just  knows  when  to  speak,  and  what  to 
speak :  Prov.  xxix.  11 ;  Luke  xxi.  15.  A  just  man  in  his  dis- 
course "  brings  forth  wisdoin "  for  the  benefit  of  others ;  he  is 
taught  of  God  who  gives  him  wisdom  :  Eccl.  ii.  26.  Whatever 
good  he  receives,  he  endeavors  to  do  good  with  it :  Matt.  xii.  35. 
He  studies  more  to  please  God,  than  to  please  his  company; 
though  he  may  endeavor  to  please  both  :  1  Cor.  x.  31.  The 
>Saviour  tells  us,  that  out  of  the  abundance  of  the  heart  the  mouth 
speaketh :  Matt.  xii.  35 ;  so  that  a  heart  influenced  by  the  grace 
of  God  may  be  expected  to  bring  forth  wisdom  :  Prov.  xvi.  1.  It 
is  better  to  think  much  and  say  little,  than  to  say  much  and  think 
little.  God  takes  notice  of  what  we  say  as  well  as  what  we  do : 
Matt.  xii.  36.  If  we  live  under  the  influence  of  the  gospel,  our 
conversation  will  be  such  as  becomes  the  gospel :  Phil.  i.  27. 
Every  just  man  is  a  righteous  man,  in  the  sight  of  God ;  hence, 
he  has  a  righteous  heart,  and  hopes  ;  righteous  joys,  and  fears ;  a 
holy  life,  and  godly  conversation :  Col.  iii.  17.  Men  of  this  world 
may  possess  fine  parts,  profound  learning,  brilliant  talents,  and 
stand  very  high  in  both  church  and  state,  and  yet  be  perverse. 
They  deride  the  gospel  while  they  profess  it.  Separate  from 
them;  come  out  from  among  them;  so  shall  ye  save  yourself 
from  partaking  of  their  evils.  Always  beware  of  your  dear  Lord's 
enemies,  though  they  profess  to  be  his  friends.  Never  tarry 
longer  in  any  company  than  duty  requires,  where  your  mouth 
cannot  bring  forth  what  God  calls  wisdom:  1  Cor.  i.  18, 19.  Seek 
after  that  wisdom  which  is  pure ;  peaceable ;  gentle ;  easy  to  be 
entreated ;  full  of  mercy ;  without  partiality  ;  full  of  good  works ; 
without  hypocrisy :  Jas.  i.  17.  Think  twice  before  you  speak 
once.    Never  suffer  your  tongue  to  outrun  your  wisdom. 


OF  ABILITY  FOR  GOOD  DISCOITESE. 


125 


"  To  one  is  given  by  the  Spirit  tfie  word  of  wisdom ;  to  anotfier  tfie  word  of 
^now/edge  by  ttie  same  Spirit."  —  1  Cor.  xii.  8. 

FOEMAL  professors  saj;  that  Jesus  is  the  Lord ;  and  such  a 
profession  is  common  to  the  openly  profane ;  but  is  no  more 
profitable  to  salvation  than  the  true  declaration  of  Satan^  Thou 
art  the  Holy  one  of  God:  Mark  i.  24.  But  one  who  believes  in 
Jesus  in  the  heart,  trusts  in  him  as  the  once  sin-bearing,  sin- 
atoning,  curse-sustaining,  but  now-pleading  Saviour;  and  readily 
acknowledges  himself  indebted  to  him,  as  the  procuring  cause  of 
all  the  blessings  he  enjoys. 

God,  who  is  the  giver  of  every  good  and  perfect  gift,  giveth 
to  every  one  that. which  he  sees  will  be  for  their  good  and  his 
glory;  and  however  different  those  gifts  might  be,  they  all 
proceed  from  the  same  source  :  Jas.  i.  17.  To  one  he  gives  ^*  the 
word  of  wisdom;'^  a  knowledge  of  the  mysteries  of  the  gospel, 
with  the  ability  to  explain  them  for  the  benefit  of  others  :  Mark 
iv.  11.  To  another  he  gives  the  ''word  of  knowledge to  enable 
them  to  give  counsel  and  advice  to  those  who  need  it ;  and  all 
proceed  through  one  channel,  by  the  same  Spirit.  JSTever  should 
it  be  forgotten,  that  whatever  gifts  God  bestows,  he  expects  us 
10  improve  them  to  the  good  of  our  fellow-creatures  and  his 
glory  :  Matt.  xxv.  15-25.  You  may  not  have  the  ability  to  ex- 
plain hard  and  grave  sentences,  nor  to  answer  every  question 
that  might  be  put  to  you ;  but  you  ought  always  to  be  ready  to 
give  a  reason  to  every  man  that  asketh  you  of  the  hope  that  is  in 
you :  1  Pet.  iii.  15.  Some  are  fond  of  much  talking,  that  others 
might  think  much  of  them ;  but  when  you  talk,  let  your  conver- 
sation be  such  as  becometh  the  Christian:  Phil.  i..27.  Endeavor 
to  show  your  meekness  and  your  wisdom  by  your  conversation : 
Jas.  iii.  13.  Be  careful  to  live  like  a  saint,  and  you  will  never 
talk  like  a  sinner ;  but  you  will  be  ready  on  all  occasions  to  ac- 
knowledge yourself  a  sinner  saved  from  sin :  Luke  xxi.  15.  A 
sanctified  heart  is  better  than  an  eloquent  tongue.  Keep  Christ 
in  your  heart,  and  a  bridle  on  your  tongue.  Look  at  every  word 
before  you  trust  it  out  of  your  mouth.  The  way  to  become  a 
good  speaker,  is  first  to  become  an  attentive  hearer.  Improve 
what  you  have,  and  God  will  give  you  all  you  need  :  Pliil.  i . .  .J. 


126 


OF  THE  MEANS  OF  GHACE. 


"He  maketh  me  to  lie  down  in  green  pastures ;  he  leadetli  me  beside  the 
still  waters.  "  —  Ps.  xxiii.  2. 

THE  more  we  do  for  God,  the  more  we  are  indebted  to  him ; 
because  he  gives  us  the  more ;  and  in  order  to  get  every  good 
thing  from  him,  we  have  only  to  walk  uprightly  before  him :  Ps. 
Ixxxiv.  11.  And  nothing  produces  so  much  comfort  to  the  soul, 
as  a  knowledge  of  what  God  is  to  us.  "  I  am  the  good  Shepherd/^ 
saith  Jesus:  John  x.  11.  Thou  art  my  Shepherd,  says  the  be- 
liever. Experience  had  well  taught  David  the  duty  of  a  shep- 
herd. How  watchful  to  preserve  in  the  time  of  danger!  how 
careful  to  guide  and  feed  all  committed  to  his  care  !  But  herein 
is  the  peculiar  love  of  the  Shepherd  of  our  souls ;  he  laid  down 
his  life  for  the  sheep : "  John  x.  15.  A  sheep  is  a  weak,  silly 
creature,  and  is  often  bleating  and  making  a  noise  when  it  needs 
nothing;  so  do  we.  Though  it  knows  its  shepherd,  hears  his 
voice,  and  will  follow  him,  still  it  is  naturally  prone  to  wander 
from  the  fold;  and,  if  left  to  itself,  would  often  leap  into  the 
very  jaws  of  death ;  or  perish  with  hunger  in  the  barren  lanes,  or 
on  the  unfruitful  common ;  so  foolish  are  we  also.  Hence  arise 
our  distress  and  unnecessary  bleatings ;  we  too  frequently  forget 
the  dying-love,  the  covenant-engagements,  and  watchful  care,  of 
our  Shepherd.  The  ordinances  of  God  are  the  rich  pastures 
which  he  has  provided  for  his  sheep ;  but  were  we  left  to  our- 
selves, we  should  never  visit  them,  nor  stay  in  them  when  there. 
But  the  voice  of  the  Lord,  our  Shepherd,  hath  the  pre-eminence ; 
and  he  not  only  causeth  us  to  pass  through,  but,  He  maketh  us 
to  lie  down  in  green  pastures/^  while  he  himself  guards  us : 
Isa.  xxvii.  3.  The  new  man  feeds  upon  the  word  of  life,  which 
furnishes  milk  for  babes :  1  Pet.  ii.  2 ;  and  strong  meat  for  those 
•of  full  age :  Heb.  v.  14.  Those  who  are  fed  by  God,  are  led  by 
him.  "jHe  leadeth  them  beside  the  still  waters;'^  not  by  the 
troubled  sea,  nor  stagnant  waters,  but  still  waters;  living  streams, 
flowing  from  the  living  fountain,  the  consolations  of  his  word 
and  Spirit ;  which  not  only  refresh,  but  cleanse :  Jer.  xxxiii.  8. 
Prize,  highly  prize,  the  means  of  grace,  public,  social,  and  private ; 
and  God  will  abundantly  bless  you  with  the  means ;  but  do  not 
mistake  the  means  for  the  end. 


He  leadeth  me  beside  the  still  waters."  —  Page  126. 


UBRA«Y 
OF  THE 
WWERS^TY  OF  tiUNOlS 


OF  THE  MEANS  OF  GEACE. 


127 


Go  ye  into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature.  He  that 
believeth  and  is  baptized  shall  be  saved;  but  he  that  believeth  not  s^all  be 
damned.  "  —  Mark  xvi.  15,  16. 

HEEE  we  have  the  commission  given  by  our  Lord  to  the 
primitive  preachers  of  the  gospel ;  but  it  was  not  confined 
to  them  alone,  being  intended  for  all  who  then  did,  or  ever 
should,  sustain  that  office  or  character.    We  are  here  informed, 

First.  To  whom  the  Apostles  were  sent;  1st.  Lito  all  the 
loorldJ^  For  there  was  no  part  of  the  world  but  needed  salva- 
tion ;  inasmuch  as  all  the  world  had  sinned  against  God ;  and  by 
so  doing  had  brought  death  upon  themselves  :  Eom.  v.  12.  All  the 
world  had  revolted,  and  wandered  from  God ;  and  God  was  gra- 
ciously pleased  to  send  a  proclamation  of  peace  after  them  :  Isa. 
liii.  6.  2d.  "  To  every  creature in  all  the  world.  Their  preach- 
ing was  not  to  be  confined  to  a  favored  few ;  because  all  were 
equally  guilty,  and  under  the  same  curse :  Gal.  iii.  10.  And,  3d. 
Every  creature  was  the  creature  of  God ;  though  in  a  lost .  condi- 
tion :  Ps.  c.  3.  And  no  one  having  any  righteousness  of  his  own, 
the  Redeemer  would  have  Ms  righteousness  made  known  to  all  : 
Eom.  iii.  10,  11. 

Secondly.  What  they  were  commissioned  to  preach ;  the  gos- 
pelJ^  1st.  Gospel  signifies  "  good  tidings,'^  or  good  news :  Luke 
ii.  10  ;  and  includes  whatever  Christ  has  taught  us  in  his  word : 
Matt,  xxviii.  19,  20.  2d.  The  gospel  exhibits  Christ  as  a  glori- 
fied Redeemer,  great  in  dignity :  Rev.  iii.  21 ;  in  power :  Matt, 
xxviii.  18 ;  in  possessions :  John  iii.  35  ;  in  authority :  Phil.  ii. 
8-11.  3d.  This  glorious  Saviour  must  be  preached  in  all  the 
world ;  because  God  gave  him  to  the  world ;  so  that  the  world 
has  a  claim  to  him  on  that  account :  John  iii.  16-18;  and  he  is 
the  propitiation  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  Avorld :  1  John  ii.  2. 
Hence,  4th.  He  must  be  preached  to  every  creature;  because 
every  creature  sustains  the  character  of  those  he  came  to  save :  1 
Tim.  i.  15.  ■ 

Thirdly.  The  results  that  would  follow  their  preaching.  All 
men  are  damned,  i.e.  condemned,  before  they  believe :  John  iii. 
19.  "He  that  believeth  with  the  heart:  Acts  viii.  37;  and 
evinces  it  by  his  works :  James  15-17  ;  "shall  be  saved/^  from 
siu  tiad  its  evils. 


128 


OF  MIUITFULKESS. 


"/  will  be  as  the  dew  unto  Israel :  he  shall  grow  as  the  lily,  and  cast  forth 
his  roots  as  Lebanon.  "  —  Hos.  xiv.  6. 

ODLIISrESS  is  profitable  unto  all  things,  having  promise  of 
the  life  that  now  is,  and  of  that  which  is  to  come :  1  Tim. 
iv.  8.  Observe, 

1st.  To  all  who  are  Israelites  indeed,  God  will  not  only  give 
them  what  they  need,  but  will  be  that  unto  them,  /  will  be  as  the 
dew  unto  IsraelJ^  He  will  be  their  instructor;  his  doctrine  shall 
fall  on  them  like  dew  or  small  rain,  on  the  grass  or  tender  herb : 
Deut.  xxxii.  2.  He  will  give  them  to  know  more  and  more  of 
himself;  for  he  will  visit  them  as  the  rain  visits  the  earth: 
Hos.  vi.  3.  And  by  being  thus  refreshed  with  his  continued 
visits,  their  souls  will  become  like  a  well-watered  garden:  Isa. 
Iviii.  11.  When  Israel  was  in  the  wilderness  they  had  dew,  but 
there  was  manna  in  it :  Exod.  xvi.  14 ;  and  so  the  graces  of  the 
Spirit  are  manna  hid  in  the  dew :  John  i.  16.  The  grace  that 
God  gives  thus  freely,  shall  not  be  in  vain.  For, 

2d.  "  They  shall  groiv  as  the  Uly.^^  True  grace  is  growing  grace. 
The  root  of  the  lily  lies  in  the  ground  all  winter  as  though  it 
were  lost ;  but  when  the  dews  of  spring  come  to  refresh  it,  it 
grows  a  great  deal  in  a  little  time :  and  then  appears  a  lovely 
floAver :  Matt.  vi.  29.  So  the  grace  of  God  improves  young  con- 
verts, and  is  the  comeliness  of  the  soul :  Ezek.  xvi.  14.  The  dew 
falls  softly,  and  oftentimes  insensibly ;  so  the  truths  of  God  upon 
the  souls  of  men.  The  lily  grows  fast  and  looks  well,  but  soon 
fades,  and  is  easily  plucked  up.  Therefore, 

3d.  Israel  shall  cast  forth  his  roots  as  Lebanon ;  as  the  trees 
of  Lebanon ;  which,  when  well  rooted,  cannot  be  plucked  up : 
Amos  ix.  15.  As  the  growth  of  a  tree  depends  on  the  root,  so 
we  depend  on  Christ,  the  root  and  the  offspring  of  David :  ^' 
Eev.  xxii.  16.  It  is  by  faith  we  become  united  to  Christ,  as  the 
branch  is  to  the  vine ;  and  when  faith  works  by  love  to  the  truths 
of  God,  they  become  as  refreshing  dew  to  all  our  other  graces  ;  and 
make  us  diligent  in  the  ways  of  God.  That  is  the  best  faith  that 
does  the  best  work  and  the  most  of  it.  The  faith  of  God's  Israel 
cordially  embraces  the  words  of  God,  and  lives  upon  Christ.  Your 
Head  is  in  heaven ;  be  careful  to  live  there  yourself. 


OF  rEtriTFULNESS. 


129 


'*  He  that  abideth  in  me,  and  I  in  fiim,  the  same  bringeth  forth  much  fruit; 
for  without  me  ye  can  do  nothing.  " — John  xv.  5. 

A FAITHLESS  soul  is  a  Christless  soul,  and  a  Christless 
soul  is  a  fruitless  one.     By  their  fruits  ye  shall  know 
them  :  Matt.  vii.  20.    These  words  supx^ose, 

First.  That  the  Vine-dresser  expects  every  branch  in  the  vine 
to  bear  fruit.  And  why  ?  Because  of  the  relation  in  which  they 
stand  to  Christ,  who  is  the  true  and  living  Vine.  They  are 
branches  in  him  :  Ver.  1.  The  Eedeemer  calls  himself  the  Vine ; 
and  compares  all  believers  in  him  to  branches  of  himself,  and  his 
Farther  to  the  husbandman,  or  dresser  of  the  vine.  A  mere  profes- 
sion gives  no  man  a  place  in  the  true  Vine.  We  must  abide  in 
his  word  as  our  rule :  John  viii.  31 ;  and  in  his  merit  as  our 
righteousness :  1  Cor.  i.  30.  He  that  exercises  faith  in  him,  and 
love  to  him,  feeds  upon  his  promises  and  is  led  by  his  Spirit,  ^^the 
same  bringeth  forth  mwc/i  fruit ;  2  Pet.  i.  8.  But  what  fruit 
does  he  expect  ? 

First.  Not  bad  fruit ;  nor  a  mixture  of  good  and  bad.  1st. 
From  a  vine,  we  are  taught  to  expect  grapes  :  Isa.  v.  2  ;  and  from 
a  Christian,  we  as  naturally  expect  the  fruits  of  righteousness,  a 
Christian  life  and  conversation  :  2  Cor.  ix.  9,  10.  2d.  Such  fruit 
as  may  reasonably  be  expected  from  a  healthy  branch,  nourished 
by  the  best  of  Vines ;  hence  good  in  quantity,  and  constantly 
bearing :  Ver.  16.  In  short,  3d.  Such  are  expected  to  be  filled 
with  good  fruits  :  Phil.  i.  11. 

Secondly.  None  can  be  fruitful  without,  or  separate  from, 
Christ.  "  WitJiout  me  ye  can  do  notJiing.^'  1st.  Without  our 
being  in  Christ :  Ver.  4 ;  and  Christ  being  in  us,  we  cannot  now^ 
and  never  could  bring  forth  such  fruit  as  the  Vine-dresser  vvill 
accept.  It  is  not  enough  to  know  we  were  once  in  him ;  for 
unless  we  abide  in  him,  and  keep  his  word :  A^er.  7 ;  we  shall 
become  withered  and  unfruitful.  2d.  Since  we  cannot  be  saved 
without  fruit,  and  cannot  bear  it  without  Christ,  let  us  be  careful 
to  abide  in  him ;  and  be  careful  that  our  fruit  be  neither  declining 
in  quality  nor  quantity :  1  Cor.  xv.  58.  3d.  We  do  not  produce 
good  fruit  in  order  that  we  might  be  brought  into  Christ ;  but  we 
are  grafted  in  Christ  that  we  might  bring  forth  good  fruit.  Tue 
Christian  lives  to  work,  but  does  not,  work  to  live. 


130 


OF  INCREASE  OF  GRACE. 


"  The  righteous  shall  flourish  like  the  palm-tree.  "  —  Ps,  xcii.  12. 

IHE  palm-tree  is  found  in  many  warm  countries,  but  especially 


J-  in  the  north  of  Africa,  and  the  south  of  Asia.  Many  palms 
grew  on  the  banks  of  Jordan ;  but  the  best  grew  about  Jericho 
and  Engedi ;  hence  Jericho  is  called  the  city  of  palm-trees : " 
Deut.  xxxiv.  3.  The  palm-tree  is  here  made  an  emblem  of  a 
righteous  man's  person  and  condition ;  and,  if  historians  are  to  be 
relied  upon,  the  analogy  is  certainly  a  very  striking  one.  For,  the 
palm-tree,  it  is  said,  1st.  Grows  upright  and  tall ;  so  do  the  right- 
eous ;  who  are  candid,  sincere,  and  upright  in  the  sight  of  God 
and  man :  2  Sam.  xxii.  24 ;  and  though  they  are  planted  on  the 
earth,  it  is  in  the  Lord's  house  ;  and  Jesus  their  top,  or  Head, 
being  above  all  things,  they  might  be  said  to  grow  so  tall  as  to 
reach  from  earth  to  heaven.  2d.  The  palm-tree  is  ever  green ; 
and  so  is  the  believer:  Ps.  i.  3;  for  the  trees  of  the  Lord  are 
full  of  sap:  Ps.  civ.  16.  3d.  The  palm-tree  is  not  injured  by 
burdens  being  hung  upon  it;  neither  is  the  Christian;  for  his 
troubles,  or  burdens,  only  serve  to  drive  him  to  God,  who  has 
engaged  to  sustain  both  him  and  his  burden :  Ps.  Iv.  22.  4th. 
The  more  the  palm-tree  is  exposed  to  the  sun,  the  better  is  its 
growth ;  so  the  believer,  the  more  he  basks  beneath  the  rays  of 
the  Sun  of  righteousness,  the  more  healthy  and  active  he  is :  Mai. 
iv.  2.  5th.  Palm-trees,  while  their  juice  continues,  become  more 
fruitful  as  they  grow  older ;  so  do  Christians  grow  from  babes  to 
young  men,  and  then  fathers  ;  bringing  forth  fruit  in  proportion : 
John  XV.  5.  6th.  The  palm-tree  is  said  to  bear  three  or  four  hun- 
dred pounds  of  dates  every  year ;  how  abundant  also  is  the  fruit 
of  the  righteous  !  that  is,  their  counsel,  example,  instruction,  &c. : 
Prov.  xi.  30  ;  1  Cor.  xv.  58.  7th.  There  is  a  kind  of  wine  extracted 
from  the  palm-gree ;  how  reviving,  comforting,  and  encouraging, 
is  the  seasonable  advice,  and  suitable  relief,  which  the  sufferings 
and  afflictions  of  the  poor  and  distressed  extract  from  the  heart, 
hand,  and  lips  of  the  righteous !  Job  xxix.  13.  8th.  They  also 
extract  from  it  a  kind  of  honey ;  how  sweet,  pleasant,  and  heal- 
ing, is  even  a  word  when  fitly  spoken :  Prov.  xxv.  11.  9th.  The 
female  bears  no  fruit  if  planted  without  the  male  j  so  we  without 
Christ :  John  xv.  5 


"  The  righteous  shall  flourish  like  the  palm-tree."  —  Page  130. 


OF  THE 
UNIVERSITY  Of  ILLINOIS 


OF  INCEEASE  OF  GRACE. 


131 


But  he  giveth  more  grace,  *  *  —  James  iv.  6. 

MANY,  who  are  called  Christians,  have  great  wealth  in  their 
hands,  but  no  grace  in  their  hearts ;  hence,  they  do  no 
good  with  their  goods  :  Matt.  xix.  24.  Such  possess  much,  but 
inherit  nothing,  that  can  afford  true  contentment.  But  wher- 
ever God  gives  grace,  "he  giveth  more  grace;  ^'  for  unto  him  that 
hath,  and  improves  what  he  hath,  more  shall  be  given :  Mark 
iv.  24,  25.  A  child  of  grace  never  thirsts  for  any  other  streams, 
than  those  which  flow  from  the  Eock,  Christ :  John  iv.  14.  All 
the  grace,  favor,  or  good-will,  which  flows  from  God  to  sinners, 
runs  through  Jesus  Christ ;  in  whom  all  their  treasures  are  hid : 
Col.  ii.  3.  It  is  out  of  his  fulness  we  have  received  grace  for  the 
sake  of  grace ;  an  abundance  of  grace ;  grace  upon  grace :  John 
i.  16.  Surely,  believers  ought  to  be  humble,  when  they  have  to 
come  to  Jesus  for  all  their  supplies.  It  was  in  Christ  Jesus, 
that  God  first  gave  us  his  grace :  Eom.  v.  20,  21.  He  called  us 
by  his  grace  into  grace :  Gal.  i.  6 ;  justified  us  by  his  grace  :  Eom. 
iii.  24 ;  we  are  comforted  by  his  grace :  2  Cor.  i.  3,  4 ;  He  sanc- 
tifies us  by  his  grace :  Eom.  xv.  15,  16 ;  we  shall  be  brought  to 
glory  through  grace :  1  Pet.  i.  13.  Are  not  these  aboundings  of 
grace  enough  to  make  you  humble  and  thankful ;  and  to  make 
sin  more  than  ever  hateful  ?  Is  this  not  sufficient  to  make  you 
contented  and  happy  ?  ISTo,  say  you ;  I  am  so  vile,  so  unbeliev- 
ing, and  so  ungrateful,  that  I  fear  I  shall  forfeit  all  these  things ; 
so  you  would,  and  quickly  too,  if  you  stood  in  yourself ;  but  you 
stand  in  Christ ;  therefore,  here  is  a  promise  from  a  faithful 
God :  "  He  giveth  more  grace.'' 

Consider  what  God  has  already  done  for  you.  1st.  You  have 
the  unchanging,  everlasting  love  of  God  fixed  on  you :  Jer.  xxxi. 
3.  2d.  You  have  the  life,  death,  and  intercession  of  the  Son  of 
God  for  your  righteousness  :  1  Cor.  i.  30.  3d.  And  that  you 
may  have  no  doubt  of  this,  the  Spirit  has  bestowed  his  graces 
upon  you :  Gal.  iv.  6.  And,  4th.  To  encourage  and  enable  you 
to  persevere,  you  have  all  his  precious  promises  made  over  to 
you  in  Christ  Jesus :  2  Cor.  i.  20.  But,  in  short,  all  things  are 
yours :  1  Cor.  iii.  22 ;  and  over  and  above  that,  "  He  giveth  more 
grace/'    Improve  the  grace  you  have^  and  ask  for  mor^.. 


132 


OP  GEACE  TO  PERSEYEKE. 


"When  I  said,  My  foot  slippeih ;  thy  mercy,  0  Lord,  held  me  up. Ps. 
xciv.  18. 

"TXAIN  thoughts,  and  carnal  reasonings,  like  unwelcome  visit- 


V  ors,  will  often  intrude  upon  the  Christian's  mind.  Though 
our  minds  are  renewed  by  grace,  we  being  born  again  of  the 
Spirit,  still  our  old  friends,  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil, 
too  frequently  annoy  us  by  their  visits.  The  best  of  saints  have 
been  troubled  by  the  worst  of  thoughts ;  and  sometimes  those 
thoughts  have  grown  into  words.  God's  dear  children,  in  times 
of  sore  trial,  often  say  things  they  are  afterwards  sorry  for. 

When ''  visited  with  great  pain,  sore  trials,  severe  conflicts, 
and  dark  clouds,  "  who  had  experienced  so  much  of  thy  good- 
ness, and  so  many  gracious  interpositions  of  thy  providence  and 
grace,  ''said,  My  foot  sli]ppeth.'^^  Yea,  I  said  it,  for  I  verily 
thought  it.  I  made  quite  sure  it  was  a  gone-case  with  me  ;  and 
cried  out,  like  one  on  a  crumbling  precipice,  "My  foot  slippeth!'^ 
I  must  fall !  my  strength  is  gone  —  my  troubles  are  great  —  I 
can  bear  them  no  longer — my  friends  are  become  my  foes  —  their 
envenomed  darts  are  flying  so  thickly  around  me  —  and,  after  all 
my  profession,  there  is  no  avoiding  it  —  I  must  fall  by  the  hand 
of  my  enemy  !  0  save  me  !  My  foot  slippeth  !  When  I  thus 
reasoned  with  unbelief,  and  thought  I  had  no  foundation  to  rest 
my  faith  upon;  and  actually  said  as  much;  even  then,  "thy 
mercy,  0  Lord/^  the  gifts  of  thy  mercy,  and  the  hope  I  had  in  it, 
"  held  me  up/^  kept  me  from  falling,  and  frustrated  the  designs 
of  all  my  enemies :  2  Cor.  i.  8,  9.  It  frequently  happens,  that 
the  wicked  oppressors  have  great  power  :  Ps.  xxxvii.  35 ;  and 
then  it  is  no  marvel  if  the  oppressed  have  to  stand  alone,  Tike 
Paul  before  Nero  :  2  Tim.  iv.  16.  You,  too,  may  have  to  travel 
a  rugged  jjath,  and  be  ready  to  come  to  the  conclusion  that  your 
enemies  are  so  numerous,  your  difficulties  so  great,  and  your 
strength  so  small,  that  you  cannot  possibly  hold  out  to  the  end. 
"  My  foot  slippeth  ! ''  say  you.  But  who  is  it  tells  you  so  ?  'Not 
the  word  of  God  !  No,  that  tells  you  to  "  hope  in  God,  for  thou 
shalt  yet  praise  him : ''  Ps.  xlii.  5.  He  who  gave  you  grace  to 
fear,  will  also  give  you  grace  to  persevere.  Improve  the  grace 
you  have^  and  that  will  improve  you. 


OF  GBACE  TO  PERSEVERE. 


133 


"Being  confident  of  this  very  thing,  ttiat  fie  whicf)  hatfi  begun  a  good  work 
in  you,  will  perform  it  until  the  day  of  Jesus  Christ. ' '  —  Phil.  i.  6. 

THE  gospel  is  the  power  of  God :  Eom.  i.  16.  Christ  is  the 
POWER  of  God  :  1  Cor.  i.  24.  And  it  is  by  the  same  power 
that  dead  souls  are  quickened:  Eph.  ii.  1;  the  natural  enmity  of 
their  hearts  slain,  and  they  made  willing  to  perform  the  good 
pleasure  of  his  will :  PhiL  ii.  13.  We  have  here,  Paul's  confident 
hope  of  the  believer's  salvation.  That  the  work  begun  would  cer- 
tainly be  completed.  Observe, 

1st.  The  work  itself.  It  is  the  work  of  peace  in  the  soul, 
operating  in  the  understanding,  conscience,  will,  affections,  the 
whole  man  :  2  Cor.  v.  17. 

2d.  The  character  it  sustains.  It  is  a  ''good  ivork.^'  Good, 
inasmuch  as  it  is  the  object  God  had  in  view,  when,  in  his  infinite 
goodness,  he  gave  his  beloved  Son:  John  iii.  16.  Good,  as  it 
respects  its  subject.  It  gives  rest  to  the  laboring  conscience,  puri- 
fies the  heart,  and  elevates  that  which  is  low :  1  John  iii.  1. 
Good,  as  it  regards  others.  True  Christians  are  real  blessings  to 
those  around  them,  lights  to  illuminate,  salt  to  season,  and  their 
influence  is  extensive :  Matt.  v.  13-16. 

3d.  Its  Author.  It  forms  no  part  of  our  common  nature, 
which  grows  up  as  we  grow  :  2  Cor.  ii.  14.  Neither  is  it  pro- 
duced by  education :  1  Cor.  i.  20,  21.  It  is  the  effect  of  divine 
influence,  in  its  commencement  j  ''He  hath  begun  it;^^  in  its  con- 
tinuance and  completion :  John  iii.  6-8.  "He  will  perform  it;^^ 
he  will  carry  on  what  he  has  begun,  "  until  the  day  of  Jesus 
Christ ; ''  and  then  the  work  will  be  complete,  and  God  be  all  in 
all :  1  Cor.  xv.  28.    Of  this  the  Apostle  has  no  doubt.  Hence, 

4th.  He  assures  us,  that  whatever  doubts  he  might  have  on 
other  subjects,  he  was  "confident  of  this  very  tiling ;  that  God 
would  never  leave  his  work  in  an  unfinished  state,  like  those  who 
begin  a  work  without  counting  the  cost ;  and  find,  when  too  late, 
they  are  unable  to  finish  what  they  had  begun.  Had  he  not  good 
reason  to  be  confident  ?  surely  he  who  had  pardoned  the  rebel, 
would  save  the  child :  Eom.  v.  8,  9.  Be  of  good  courage,  and 
exert  the  strength  you  have.  Kill  sin,  and  then,  it  is  certain,  sin 
will  never  kill  you. 


134 


OF  SANCTIFIED  AFFLICTIONS. 


''As  a  man  chasfeneth  h/s  son,  so  the  Lord  thy  God  chasteneth  thee,'* 
Deut.  viii.  5. 

AFFLICTIOISrS  may,  yea,  will  attend  you  all  through  the 
journey  of  life  :  John-  xvi.  33 ;  but  you  should  always 
recollect,  they  do  not  come  by  chance:  Job  v.  6,  7;  and  that, 
though  the  cross  may  hang  heavy,  and  be  very  bitter,  it  is  very 
short :  2  Cor.  iv.  17.    We  should  consider  divine  correction, 

First.  As  the  means  of  religious  improvement ;  for,  1st.  Afflic- 
tions are  a  restraint  from  evil ;  with  them  God  frequently  hedges 
up  our  way  as  he  did  the  Jews  :  Hos.  ii.  6,  7.  He  afflicts  in  order 
to  save.  He  keeps  man  from  that  which  would  destroy  him ;  and 
only  removes  those  pleasures  that  would  poison  our  souls.  He 
has  to  block  up  our  way  to  keep  us  in  his  way.  2d.  Affliction 
excites  us  to  duty.  We  are  too  apt  to  settle  down  and  be  at  ease, 
when  we  ought  to  be  at  work !  God  mercifully  rouses  us  from 
our  lethargy  ;  and  embitters  earth,  to  raise  our  hearts  to  heaven  ; 
and  by  afflictions  brings  us  to  his  footstool :  Ps.  cxix.  67,  71.  3d. 
Affliction  is  a  needful,  though  painful  ordeal.  The  Christian 
shines  brightest  when  surrounded  by  flames  ;  they  illuminate  and 
refine,  without  consuming  him  :  1  Pet.  i.  7.  4th.  Affliction  is  a 
seasonable  monitor.  Prosperity  has  a  tendency  to  produce  a  most 
ungrateful  effect ;  for,  such  is  our  corruption,  we  are  never  more 
ready  to  forget  God,  than  when  loaded  with  his  benefits  :  Prov. 
XXX.  8,  9. 

Second.  Divine  correction  should  be  considered  as  the  disci- 
pline of  paternal  regard.  For,  ''As  a  man  chasteneth  his  son/^  &c. 
A  father  corrects  his  children,  1st.  With  reluctance.  He  tries 
every  other  method  —  the  eloquence  of  love,  the  entreaty  of  affec- 
tion, the  promise  of  reward,  &c.,  before  he  inflicts  punishment. 
So  our  heavenly  Father.  He  never  takes  up  the  rod  till  gentler 
means  have  failed  :  Heb.  xii.  6-11.  2d.  With  wisdom.  In  a  way 
most  calculated  to  produce  reform,  with  calm,  clear,  and  most 
deliberate  wisdom,  a  father  corrects  his  child.  So  our  heavenly 
Parent,  as  it  regards  the  tiyne,  manner,  and  iiistrument.  3d.  With 
tenderness.  Cruelty  should  never  be  brought  into  paternal  disci- 
pline. Our  heavenly  Father  afflicts  with  one  hand;,  while  he  sup- 
ports with  the  other ;  Ps.  ciii.  13, 


OF  SANCTIFIED  AFFLICTIONS. 


185 


"  We  glory  in  tribulations  also,  knowing  that  tribulation  worketh  patience; 
and  patience,  experience;  and  experience,  hope.'*  —  Rom.  v.  3,4. 

CONSOLATIONS  frequently  come  wrapped  up  in  afflictions. 
The  glory  of  the  Lord  never  appeared  brighter  to  Jacob, 
than  it  did  on  the  night  he  made  the  God  of  the  universe  his 
landlord ;  when  he  stretched  his  wearied  body  on  the  cold,  damp 
ground,  Avith  a  few  stones  for  his  pillow,  and  the  star-spangled 
canopy  of  heaven  for  his  only  covering :  Gen.  xxviii.  10-15. 
While  the  stones  flew  about  Stephen's  ears,  the  heavens  were 
opened  to  his  eyes  :  Acts  vii.  59,  60.  Whenever  God  afflicts  you, 
always  remember  it  is  to  humble  you :  Lam.  iii.  19,  20.  "  We 
glory  in  tribulations;^^  for  we  are  not  only  assured  they  cannot 
harm  us :  2  Cor.  iv.  17 ;  but  that  we  must  pass  through  them  to 
our  possessions  :  Acts  xiv.  22.  The  saint's  happiness  is  a  growing 
happiness ;  it  is  peace,  grace,  glory,  and  joy  in  the  hope  of  it : 
Col.  i.  27.  The  Christian  glories  in  all  sorts  of  tribulation ;  but 
especially  that  which  comes  for  righteousness'  sake  ;  Acts  v.  41. 
The  trial  of  one  grace,  begets  and  improves  another.  "  Tribula- 
tion worketh  patience,^^  when  the  grace  of  God  works  in  and  with 
the  tribulation ;  it  improves  our  patience,  and  does  it  more  good 
than  it  possibly  can  do  us  harm.  How  should  we  know  that  we 
had  any  patience,  if  it  was  never  tried  ?  Those  who  have  the 
most  patience  in  tribulations,  have  the  greatest  divine  consola- 
tions :  2  Thess.  ii.  16.  "  Patience  worketh  experience/^  serves  to 
prop  up  our  hope/'  and  keeps  us  from  falling  into  sadness  : 
1  Thess.  iv.  13.  When  God  puts  his  children  in  the  House-of- 
correction,  it  is  that  they  might  get  instruction :  Ps.  cxix.  71. 
Poor  Job's  tribulations  wrought  patience,  and  that  patience  pro* 
duced  an  approbation  :  Job  ii.  3.  When  a  top  is  whipped  most, 
it  goes  best.  But  in  all  your  afflictions,  remember  God  is  a  kind, 
impartial  Father,  who  loves  all  his  children  too  well  to  withhold 
the  rod,  when  he  sees  their  faults  are  such  as  to  need  correction : 
Ps.  xciv.  12.  You  may  kill  bees  with  honey  ;  and  quicken  them 
with  vinegar.  Prosperity  may  kill  our  graces  ;  but  adversity 
will  quicken  them.  Be  always  afraid  of  sinning;  but  never  afraid 
of  suffering:  2  Tim.  ii.  12.   Your  suffering  time  will  soon  be  over. 


136 


OF  SANCTIFIED  AFFLICTIONS. 


"He  maketh  sore,  and  he  bindeth  up:  he  mundeth,  and  his  hands  mak^ 
whole.  "  —  Job  V.  18. 

PATIENT  Job  was  as  wicked  by  nature  as  any  sinner  that 
ever  was  born.  True,  he  was  an  eminent  saint ;  but  who 
made  him  so  ?  The  same  Saviour  who  sanctifies  us.  Look,  like 
Job,  upon  all  you  enjoy  as  the  free  gift  of  a  God  of  unchanging 
love ;  hold  their  giver  fast,  but  hold  the  gifts  with  a  loose  hand. 
Perhaps  some  of  your  sweetest  enjoyments  are  fled,  and  you  are 
now  saying,  "  The  Lord  hath  taken  away."  Well,  admitting  he 
has,  He  first  gave ;  and  his  love  is  the  same  when  he  takes,  as 
when  he  gives  ;  and  you  have  good  cause  to  say,  for  both,  "blessed 
be  the  name  of  the  Lord  :  "  Job  i.  21.  "  He  maketh  sore/'  with 
providential  afiiictions  ;  but  then,  "  He  hindetli  up  "  with  spiritual 
consolations  :  Zech.  xiii.  9.  The  sorest  sore,  is  not  to  be  sensible 
of  our  sore  ;  but  to  be  conscious  of  it,  is  more  than  half  the  cure : 
2  Chron.  vi.  29.  The  Lord  may  have  an  occasion  to  use  the 
incision-knife,  but  he  never  leaves  open  the  wound.  "  He  wound- 
eth,  and  his  hands  hind  up :  Ps.  cxlvii.  3.  Though  he  wounds 
his  people  with  afflictions,  he  strengthens  and  supports  them 
under  them.  The  hand  that  makes  the  wound,  never  fails  to 
apply  the  cure.  "  He  maketh  whole/^  then  all  is  well  again ;  and 
the  patient  sufferer  acknowledges,  that  all  has  been  for  his  good: 
Ps.  cxix.  71.  Divine  Wisdom  can  never  make  a  wound  too  deep 
for  infinite  love  to  cure  :  Isa.  xix.  22.  If  he  convinces  and  causes 
the  sinner  to  mourn,  he  always  comforts  the  mourner :  Isa.  Ixi.  2. 
If  he  humbles,  it  is  that  he  might  exalt :  Ps.  xxxvii.  34.  When 
he  tears  the  impenitent,  let  them  heal  them  who  can :  Hos.  v.  14 ; 
but  humble  penitents  may  say,  "He  has  torn,  and  he  will  heal 
us  : Hos.  vi.  1.  Your  comforts  may  fly  from  you  ;  but  the  God 
of  comfort  will  abide  with  you  :  Dan.  xi.  35.  Earthly  comforts, 
like  glass,  though  bright,  are  easily  broken.  By  yielding  to 
temptations,  we  lose  our  consolations  ;  and  bring  on  afflictions, 
which  make  the  wound  to  bleed  afresh.  When  afflictions  befall 
you,  let  them  never  appal  you,  while  you  have  a  Saviour  near. 
When  your  soul  is  bowed  down  beneath  a  load  of  afflictions^  take 
them  to^  and  roll  them  upon  the  Lord, 


OF  SANCTIFIED  AFFLICTIONS. 


137 


*'  For  our  light  affliction,  which  is  but  for  a  moment,  worketh  for  us  a  fat 
more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory. —  2  Cor.  iv.  17. 

IISrniSriTELY  beyond  all  the  reasonings  of  vain  philosophy, 
is  the  Christian's  sight  by  faith;  to  reconcile  his  mind  to 
afflictions^  endure  with  patience  under^  and  give  victory  over 
them.  When  the  prospects  of  earth  fail  you^  let  it  not  distress 
you  ;  seeing  better  comforts  await  you  :  John  xiv.  1,  2.  Before 
you  look  upon  your  afflictions  to  be  heavy^  always  weigh  them 
m  the  balances  of  the  sanctuary  ;  put  your  earthly  sufferings  in 
one  scale,  and  your  heaven  of  glory  in  the  other  j  and  then  you 
will  find  your  afflictions  to  be  light,  and  your  glory  an  eternal 
weight :  Phil.  iii.  7,  8.  Your  cross  may  seem  heavy,  but  your 
crown  will  be  bright :  1  Tim.  iv.  8.  Unbelief  would  have  you 
look  upon  your  afflictions  as  long  and  heavy ;  but  faith  will  have 
it  they  are  "short  and  light and  are  appointed  to  prepare  you 
for  your  crown  of  glory :  2  Tim.  iv.  8.  While  you  feel  the 
sharpness  of  your  afflictions,  consider  the  shortness  of  them ; 
"but  for  a  moment;^'  and  then  all  your  sighing  will  be  turned 
into  singing :  John  xvi.  20 ;  your  sorrow  into  joy ;  your  lamenta- 
tions into  consolations  ;  your  ashes  into  beauties  ;  and  your  sack- 
cloth into  fine  linen :  Isa.  Ixi.  3.  That  wound  is  not  always  the 
worst,  that  smarts  the  most.  Afflictions,  at  their  worst,  are  only 
like  walking  over  a  rough  road  to  a  comfortable  house  ;  or  through 
a  dark  passage  into  a  light  room :  Jas.  i.  12.  Yet,  it  is  certain, 
that  all  the  pious  are  not  equally  afflicted  and  tried ;  notwith- 
standing all  have  tribulations  while  in  this  world :  2  Tim.  iii.  12. 
They  have  some  afflictions  in  common  with  mankind,  and  others 
peculiar  to  themselves.    This  interesting  passage, 

1st.  Specifies  present  affliction  ;  "  For  our  light  affliction,  which 
is  but  for  a  moment." 

2d.  Describes  future  happiness ;  "  A  far  more  exceeding  and 
eternal  weight  of  glory." 

3d.  Suggests  useful  instruction  :  it  being  well  calculated  to 
edify  and  profit  every  suffering  saint.  Your  night  will  be  soon 
turned  into  day,  and  your  cross  into  a  crown :  Eev.  xxii.  5.  It 
is  better  to  be  afflicted  here,  than  hereafter.  Your  heavenly 
Father  counts  every  stroke,  and  will  never  suffer  you  to  receive 
one  too  manv- 


138 


OF  AN  INTEREST  IN  GOD  AS  OUR  GOD. 


"  Thy  dead  men  shall  live,  together  with  my  dead  body  shall  they  arise 
Awake  and  sing,  ye  that  dwell  in  the  dust;  for  thy  dew  is  as  the  dew  of  heros, 
and  the  earth  shall  cast  out  the  dead/'  —  Isa.  xxvi.  19. 

EZEKIEL  was  commanded  to  prophesy  upon,  and  preach 
unto,  the  dry  bones  ;  ^'  and,  strange  as  it  may  appear  to 
US;  they  were  made  to  livC;  and  regard  his  voice :  Ezek.  xxxvii, 
1-10.    Let  us  inquire, 

1st.  Who  are  the  ''dead  men'^  here  spoken  of?  "By  one 
man  sin  entered  into  the  world,  and  death  by  sin ;  and  so  death 
passed  upon  all  men,  for  that  all  have  sinned:  Eom.  v.  12. 
"  And  you  hath  he  quickened,  who  were  dead  in  trespasses  and 
sins:^^  Eph.  ii.  1.  And  you  being  dead  in  your  sins  and  the 
uncircumcision  of  your  flesh,  hath  he  quickened  together  with 
him,  (Christ,)  having  forgiven  you  all  trespasses :  Col.  ii.  13. 
2d.  To  whom  do  these  dead  men  belong  ?  The  prophet  says, 
"  Thy  dead  men  shall  live^  So  that,  it  is  plain,  they  are  God''s 
dead  men ;  who  declares,  "  Behold  all  souls  are  mine :  Ezek. 
xviii.  4.  "  Know  ye  that  the  Lord  he  is  God ;  it  is  he  that  hath 
made  us,  and  not  we  ourselves ;  we  are  his  people,  and  the  sheep 
of  his  pasture : "  Ps.  c.  3.  3d.  All  these  dead  men  shall  live ; 
"  Together  with  my  (Christ's)  dead  body  shall  they  drise?^  "  For 
as  in  Adam  all  die,  even  so  in  Christ  shall  all  be  made  alive.'' 
"  Then  shall  be  brought  to  pass  the  saying  that  is  written,  Death 
is  swallowed  up  in  victory  :  "  1  Cor.  xv.  22-54.  "  God  sent  his 
Son  into  the  world  that  we  might  live  through  him :  "  1  John 
iv.  9.  And  the  Son  says,  ''  Because  I  live,  ye  shall  live  also : " 
J ohn  xiv.  19.  4th.  Who  are  they  who  make  up  the  dead  body 
of  Christ  ?  "  But  I  would  have  you  know,  that  the  head  of 
every  man  is  Christ:"  1  Cor.  xi.  3.  "So  we,  being  many,  are 
one  body  in  Christ,  and  every  one  members  one  of  another : " 
Eom.  xii.  5.  5th.  The  exhortation  given  to  those  "  that  dwell  in 
the  dust  J'  "  Awake  and  sing  I "  "  Wherefore  he  saith,  Awake 
thou  that  sleepest,  and  arise  from  the  dead,  and  Christ  shall  give 
thee  light."  6th.  Why  are  they  that  dwell  in  the  dust,"  called 
upon  to  awake  and  sing  ?  Because  the  Lord  promises  that  his 
"  doctrine  shall  drop  as  the  rain,  his  speech  distil  as  the  dew,  as 
the  small  rain  upon  the  tender  herb  : "  Deut.  xxxii.  2. 


OF  AN  INTEEEST  IN  GOD  AS  OUR  GOD. 


139 


"God  is  not  ashamed  to  be  called  their  God ;  for  he  hath  prepared  for  them 
a  c/Y/."  — Heb.  xi.  16. 

SUCH  is  the  amazing  condescension  of  God^  that  notwithstand- 
ing the  meanness  of  our  nature^  the  vileness  of  our  practice, 
and  the  great  poverty  of  our  present  condition,  he  is  not  ashamed 
of  us.  Observe, 

1st.  All  true  believers  have  an  interest  in  God ;  and  none  else 
can,  with  consistency,  call  him  their  God :  Heb.  xi.  6.  It  is  by  faith 
we  lay  hold  on  God,  and  become  interested  in  him  and  his  fulness. 

2d.  He  is  called  their  God  ;  yea,  he  declares  himself  to  be  "  The 
God  of  Abraham,  and  the  God  of  Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob.'' 
"  So  then  they  which  be  of  faith  are  blessed  with  faithful  Abra- 
ham : "  Gal.  iii,  9. 

3d.  "  He  is  not  ashamed  to  be  called  their  God.''  How  careful, 
then,  ought  they  to  be,  never  to  become  a  shame  and  reproach  to 
him !  and  never  be  ashamed  to  be  called  his  people.  It  is  our 
privilege  to  call  him  ours.  He  has  put  his  Spirit  within  our 
hearts,  that  we  might  call  him  "  Father  Eom.  viii.  15.  God 
regards  a  saint  in  rags,  more  than  a  sinner  in  robes :  Ps.  cxxxviii. 
6.  God  neither  takes  nor  gives  empty  titles  ;  if  he  is  called  their 
God,  he  will  act  as  such ;  and  provide  for  them  accordingly, 

4th.  ^^He  hath  prepared  for  them  a  city;"  so  that  it  shall 
never  be  said,  he  has  adopted  a  people  for  his  own  without 
making  suitable  provision  for  them.  The  whole  of  the  crumbling 
tabernacles  now  occupied  by  his  people,  will  soon  be  levelled  with 
the  dust ;  but  no  matter,  since  he  hath  "prepared  for  them  a  city 
a  place  of  happiness  every  way  suited  to  that  relation  into  which 
he  has  taken  them  :  1  John  iii.  2.  The  people  of  God  are  now 
scattered  all  over  the  face  of  the  globe ;  but  his  gracious  design 
is  to  have  them  all  to  dwell  in  one  place  ;  hence  "  he  hath  pre- 
pared for  them  a  city,''^  sufficiently  commodious  for  his  whole 
family  :  Heb.  xi.  10. 

You  need  no  more  to  make  you  happy,  than  to  have  the  Lord 
for  your  God :  Ps.  cxliv.  15 ;  for  he  is  your  strength,  your  song, 
your  salvation :  Isa.  xii.  2.  It  is  true  you  have  work  to  do, 
temptations  to  grapple  with,  and  afflictions  to  bear ;  and  you  are 
weak  in  yourself ;  but  he  will  strengthen  you  by  his  grace : 
Zeph.  iii.  17.    God  has  done  much  for  you ;  and  will  do  more. 


140 


OF  THE  PRESENCE  OF  GOD. 


'*  And  ye  shall  know  that  I  am  in  the  midst  of  Israel,  and  that  I  am  the  Lord 
your  God.''  — Joel  ii.  27. 


V  himself  known  to  his  people.  Sometimes  he  does  it  by- 
chastisements  :  Ezek.  vi.  7 ;  and  at  others,  by  comforts  :  Ezek. 
xxxvii.  13.  When  God  makes  himself  known  unto  us  by  giving 
us  peace,  joy,  and  plenty,  it  is  evident  that  he  has  pardoned  our 
sins,  and  accepted  of  us  through  his  beloved  Son ;  and  that  he  is 
as  much  our  God  as  ever  he  was ;  having  taken  us  into  covenant 
and  communion  with  him ;  and  given  us  to  know  "  that  he  is  in 
the  midst  of  us:^^  Eom.  v.  1,  2.  There  are  many  who  live  in 
plenty,  while  they  have  great  poverty ;  being  destitute  of  real 
piety  :  Rev.  iii.  17.  The  more  God  blesses  some,  the  less  they 
bless  God;  and  turn  their  temporal  mercies  into  curses  :  Jer.  v.  7. 
Earthly  comforts  should  give  wings  to  our  devotion;  but,  too 
often,  they  are  like  lead  to  our  wings  :  Mark  x.  22.  Nothing  can 
harm  the  Israel  of  God,  while  the  God  of  Israel  is  in  their  midst  : 
Lev.  xxvi.  12.  Some  people  are  so  full  of  religion,  they  cannot 
tell  whether  they  have  a  God  or  not.  But  not  so  with  the  true 
Israel;  for  they  know  that  the  ''Lord  is  their  God;^^  and  the 
most  ardent  desire  of  every  soul,  whose  God  is  the  Lord,  is,  that 
all  the  world  might  be  made  to  know  that  he  is  their  God.  What- 
ever comes  from  God  leads  to  him.  We  have  nothing  whereof  to 
glory  in  ourselves,  nor  over  others.  God's  Israel,  by  nature,  were 
all  children  of  wrath  even  as  others  :  Eph.  ii.  3 ;  and  in  their  flesh 
dwells  no  good  thing;  yet,  through  grace,  they  are  created 
anew  in  Christ  Jesus,  unto  good  works  :  Ver.  10.  God  looks 
upon  the  work  of  his  new  creation  with  delight ;  pronounces  it 
good;  and  records  the  graces  of  his  Israel;  but  blots  out  their 
sins.  There  are  none  who  would  not  love  God  full  as  well  as  we, 
and  perhaps  much  better,  were  they  but  as  well  acquainted  with 
him.  Hast  thou  not,  then,  a  heart  to  pity,  a  tongue  to  pray  for, 
those  who  know  not  God  ?  Yea,  thou  hast ;  for  it  is  impossible 
for  any  one  to  be  a  Christian  and  not  possess  the  Spirit  of  Christ, 
who  prayed  for  his  very  murderers.  Your  hopes  are  not  sus- 
pended on  your  own  faithfulness  to  grace,  but  on  the  faithfulness 
of  God  :  Acts  x.  34,  35. 


means  the  Lord  makes  use  of  to  make 


OF  THE  PRESENCE  OF  GOD. 


141 


"  If  a  man  love  me,  he  will  keep  my  words ;  and  my  Father  will  love  him, 
and  we  will  come  unto  him,  and  make  our  abode  with  him.'^  —  John  xiv.  23. 

/^^UR  love  keeps  pace  with,  our  faith.    As  faith  grows  stronger, 


love  grows  warmer.  A  soul  in  its  first  love  may  be  ready 
to  think^  that  what  the  Saviour  did  and  suffered  for  sinners  was 
to  procure  the  love  of  God  the  Eather  to  them^  and  to  appease 
the  fury  of  his  wrath  against  them.  But  this  is  an  error.  ^^For 
God  so  loved  the  world,  (of  sinners,)  that  he  gave  his  only  be- 
gotten Son,  that  whosoever  believeth.  in  him  should  not  perish, 
but  have  everlasting  life  :  John  iii.  16.  God  commendeth  his 
love  towards  us,  in  that,  while  we  were  yet  sinners,  Christ  died 
for  us : "  Eom.  v.  8.  By  sin,  we  made  ourselves  children  of  wrath : 
Eph.  ii.  3 ;  and  God,  by  his  grace,  made  us  objects  of  his  love :  1 
John  iv.  9,  10.  All  who  believe  in  Christ  are  sure  to  love  him ; 
and  all  who  love  bim  "  keep  his  words :  John  xv.  14.  We  must 
evince  our  love  to  Jesus  by  keeping  his  word ;  and  he  will  prove 
his  love  to  us  by  keeping  to  his  word :  John  xiv.  15,  16.  Where 
love  leads,  duty  follows ;  and  where  love  to  the  Son  leads,  love 
from  the  Eather  follows.  My  Father  will  love  him,^^  and  will  give 
such  manifestations  of  his  love,  that  no  room  shall  be  left  for  a 
doubt :  1  John  iv.  16.  Eor  they  shall  have  his  smiles  and  his 
embraces :  Prov.  viii.  17 ;  and  his  Spirit,  which  I  wiU  pray  him 
to  send  them:  Matt.  x.  19,  20.  ''And  we  will  come  unto  him.^^ 
He  does  not  say,  /  will  come ;  no,  but  "  We  will  come  unto  him ; 
for,  in  this  sense,  it  was  impossible  for  one  to  come  without  the 
other ;  they  being  both  one  :  John  xiv.  9.  Those  who  love  Christ 
will  not  be  put  off  with  merely  having  a  messenger  from  him ; 
but  he  and  his  Eather  will  come  unto  them ;  so  that  our  not  being 
able  to  go  to  him  shall  not  prevent  our  having  an  interview  with 
each  other:  2  Chron.  xv.  2.  Keither  shall  it  be  a  transient  visit, 
nor  an  occasional  call ;  for,  it  is  added,  We  will  make  our  abode 
with  him."  We  will  live  with  such  an  one,  while  here  below;  till 
such  time  that  it  will  be  for  the  good  of  the  one,  and  the  glory 
of  the  other,  for  all  to  live  together  above ;  and  then  I  will  come 
again,  and  see  that  my  friends  are  carefully  removed :  John  xii.  26. 
However  you  may  doubt  of  your  love  to  God,  never  doubt  of  his 
love  to  you. 


142 


OF  AN  INTEKEST  IN  THE  LOVE  OF  GOD. 


"  The  Lord  thy  God  in  the  midst  of  thee  is  mighty ;  he  will  save,  he  wil\ 
rejoice  over  thee  with  joy ;  he  will  rest  in  his  love,  he  will  joy  over  thee  with 
singing/^ — Zeph,  iii.  17. 

OTIONS  of  the  Lord  may  satisfy  dry,  formal  professors ; 
but  those  who  are  truly  alive  to  God  can  rest  nothing  short 
of  the  enjoyment  of  his  presence.  Dry  up  your  tears,  pluck  up 
your  spirits,  give  your  fears  to  the  winds,  dread  not  your  enemies, 
put  on  courage.  For, 

1st.  The  Lord  thy  God  is  in  the  midst  of  theeJ^  When  David 
went  to  meet  the  giant  of  Gath,  he  uttered  not  a  word  of  his  own 
might  or  power;  because  the  might  of  the  Lord  his  God  was  his 
only  support;  so  Paul,  he  was  able  to  do  all  things  in  the  strength 
of  Christ :  Phil.  iv.  13.  The  greater  your  affliction  and  poverty, 
the  more  numerous  and  powerful  your  foes,  the  greater  reason 
you  have  to  trust  in  God,  who  is  mighty  :  Ps.  cxxi.  7,  8.  His 
mighty  salvation  is  already  begun  in  your  heart ;  and  you  have 
no  cause  for  dejection.  For, 

2d.  He  will  save.''  He  is  able  to  save ;  and  has  already 
given  you  abundant  proof  of  his  willingness ;  his  word  declares 
it ;  and  his  work  proves  it.  Cast  away  all  vain  notions  of  terms 
and  conditions  of  salvation;  seeing  it  is  written,  ^^He  will 
SAVE.''  Who  then  dare  say  that  anything  can  prevent  it  ?  As- 
suredly as  his  name  is  Jesus,  he  will  save  his  people  frovi  their 
sins ;  and  that  is  all  he  came  to  save  us  from ;  and  all  we  have  to 
fear :  Matt.  i.  21.    Cast  all  upon  the  will  of  Jesus.  For, 

3d.  "  He  will  rejoice  over  thee  with  joyJ^  He  came  to  seek  and 
to  save  that  which  was  lost:  Luke  xix.  10.  ^^He  shall  see  of  the 
travail  of  his  soul,  and  shall  be  satisfied : "  Isa.  liii.  10.  When 
a  sinner  is  converted,  saints  are  comforted ;  and  angels  rejoice ; 
and  God  has  joy :  Luke  xv.  10.  And, 

4th.  He  is  so  well  pleased,  that  he  declares  he  will  rest  in  his 
lovey  He  will  no  longer  chastise  for  those  sins  over  which  he 
has  caused  you  to  mourn ;  but  will  so  fix  his  love  upon  you,  that 
you  shall  evermore  be  one  of  his  own  family :  2  Cor.  vi.  16-18. 
Your  sins  caused  him  grief,  but  your  conversion  caused  him  much 
)  y^^;  "joy  over  thee  with  singing 


Oi^  AK  INTEREST  IK  THE  LOVE  OF  GOD. 


148 


"  Herein  is  love,  not  that  we  loved  God,  but  that  he  loved  us,  and  sent  his 
Son  to  be  the  propitiation  for  our  sins."  —  1  John  iv.  10. 

Ql  OME  have  represented  God  as  burning  with,  implacable  rage 


^  against  the  human  family,  till  Christ  died  to  appease  his 
wrath  and  make  him  merciful.  This  is  an  unscriptural  idea. 
Christ  died  because  God  luas  merciful ;  not  to  render  him  so ;  but 
to  make  a  channel  through  which  a  stream  of  salvation  might  flow 
to  all  mankind.  Observe, 

1st.  The  love  of  God  displayed  in  sending  his  Son.  Herein  is 
love.^^  Unparalleled  in  its  nature.  Love  —  undeserved,  unso- 
licited, disinterested,  never  invited  by  anything  good  in  man: 
Gen.  iii.  15.  Herein  is  love  :  immense  in  its  extent,  reaching 
to  every  age  and  clime,  to  every  character  and  condition,  even  to 
the  most  abandoned  and  abominable  of  the  human  race  :  1  Tim.  i. 
15.  Love  without  an  equal  —  love  like  an  ocean,  without  bottom 
or  shore,  deluging  the  whole  world  :  1  John  ii.  2.  Mighty  love  ! 
Love  covering  every  sin,  and  comprehending  every  blessing :  1 
John  iv.  16.  Glorious  love  !  in  its  purpose  and  final  issue  ;  de- 
signed to  procure  holiness,  pardon,  and  heaven. 

2d.  God  thus  loved  us,  when  we  had  no  love  for  him.  I^ot 
that  ive  loved  God.^^  No  indeed!  for  our  minds  were  enmity, 
in  the  abstract,  against  him :  Rom.  viii.  7.    Amazing  goodness  ! 

He  loved  iis?^  Boundless  love  !  Love  extending  from  eternity 
to  eternity !  and  so  deep  that  it  reaches  tlie  vilest  sinner  and 
lowest  case :  Ps.  ciii.  8.  Love  that  brought  Jesus  from  the 
height  of  glory  to  the  depth  of  shame,  from  great  riches  to  ex- 
treme poverty  :  2  Cor.  viii.  9.  For, 

3d.  God  sent  Ms  Son  to  be  the  propitiation  for  our  sins.'^ 
Herein  is  love  !  Love  that  induced  the  God  of  love  to  give  his 
only  begotten  Son  to  be  a  propitiation  (i.e.  victim  or  atoning 
sacrifice  :  2  Cor.  v.  21)  for  our  sins ;  that  he  might  raise  sinners 
from  the  depths  of  sin  and  wretchedness,  to  the  heights  of  holi- 
ness and  happiness.  Matchless  love  !  Love  that  gave  the  treas- 
ures of  heaven  to  enrich  earth  !  Can  you  any  longer  doubt  of 
your  interest  in  his  love  ?  It  is  true,  he  hates  sin  ;  but  where  can 
you  find  a  sinner  he  does  not  love  ?  Herein  is  love  that  demands 
your  love  !    Nothing  can  harm  you  but  a  rejection  of  his  love. 


144 


OF  AN  INTEREST  IN  THE  MEECY  OF  GOD. 


**  He  reta/neth  not  his  anger  forever,  because  he  delighteth  in  mercy. 
Micah  vii.  18. 

MEKCY  !  What  a  welcome  sound  !  It  is  the  cheerer  of  the 
hearty  the  burden  of  our  song,  the  delight  of  heaven,  the 
envy  of  hell,  and  the  distinguished  attribute  of  God  !  Exod. 
xxxiii.  19.  As  God  excels  in  all  other  things,  so  he  does  in  his 
manner  of  forgiving  sins.  His  love  is  infinite,  and  his  mercy 
matchless  :  Ps.  ciii.  11,  12.  Observe, 

1st.  Though  God  frequently  causes  his  people  to  grieve  on 
account  of  their  sins,  he  no  sooner  sees  them  humbled  under  a 
sense  of  their  guilt,  than  he  has  compassion  on  them ;  pardons 
their  sins,  and  consequently  removes  the  punishment ;  for  where 
there  is  no  sin,  there  can  be  no  23unishment :  Ps.  Ixxxvi.  6.  The 
Lord  is  slow  to  anger,  but  swift  to  show  mercy  :  Neh.  ix.  17. 
And  why  ?  Because,  He  cannot  retain  his  anger ;  seeing  he  can 
be  angry  at  nothing  but  sin;  and  that  he  removes  when  con- 
fessed :  1  J ohn  i.  9.  Hence, 

2d.  "  He  retainetli  not  his  anger  forever. No,  his  anger  endur- 
eth  but  a  little  while,  and  his  mercy  endureth  forever :  Ps.  xxx. 
6 ;  and  cxxxvi.  He  first  turns  us  to  himself,  and  then  turns 
himself  to  us,  that  he  might  have  mercy  upon  us.  And  why  all 
this  care  of  us  ?  why  turn  his  anger  from  us,  and  his  love  toward 
us  ?    Why,  because, 

3d.  He  delighteth  in  mercy :  Isa.  liv.  7,  8.  It  is  impossible 
for  a  sinner  to  delight  more  in  receiving  mercy,  than  the  God  of 
mercy  does  in  bestowing  it.  Pear  not,  worm  Jacob,  Jesus  the 
Saviour  still  lives  to  make  intercession  for  you ;  and  because  he 
lives,  you  shall  live  also  :  John  xiv.  19.  Though  Jonah  had  to 
cry  out  of  the  belly  of  hell,  he  was  not  out  of  the  reach  of  mercy. 
What,  then,  have  you  to  fear,  seeing  all  your  enemies  have  been 
conquered  by  the  cross  of  Christ  ?  The  fountain  of  mercy  never 
was  f  aller  than  it  is  now  ;  nor  the  God  of  mercy  more  attentive 
to  the  humble  sinner's  cry.  Think  not  that  your  frequent  re- 
Ikpses  into  sin  can  prevent  your  obtaining  m.ercy ;  for  if  God  does 
not  pardon  for  your  sake,  he  will  do  it  for  his  own  sake  ;  "because 
he  delighteth  in  mercy.''  Only  believe  what  God  says  ;  that  is 
faith.    You  have  only  to  accept  the  mercy  offered. 


OF  AN  INTEEEST  IN  THE  MERCY  OF  GOD. 


145 


"/  wi//  have  mercy  on  whom  I  will  have  mercy.'"  —  Rom.  ix.  15. 

MISERY  is  the  object  of  mercy.  Sin  has  made  us  all  truly 
miserable  :  Ezek.  xvi.  6  ;  and  the  Lord  looks  upon  our 
case  as  truly  pitiable :  Jer.  xxxi.  18-20.  All  who  have  ears  to 
hear^  let  them  hear  what  the  Lord  saith  to  poor,  guilty,  and  con- 
demned sinners.  Here  we  have  a  gracious  declaration  from  the 
lip  of  truth. 

1st.  "  I  will  have  mercy Though  your  sins  may  have  been 
great  and  many,  and  your  backslidings  foul  and  numerous,  still 
there  can  be  no  bar  in  the  way  of  your  salvation,  while  the  God 
against  whom  you  have  sinned  remains  determined  to  have 
mercy :  Deut.  iv.  31.  Admitting  you  have  been  often  forgiven, 
and  as  repeatedly  sinned,  that  cannot  prevent  His  forgiving  you 
now  :  Job  xi.  6.  When  we  forgive,  we  cannot  forget ;  but  when 
God  forgives,  he  remembers  our  sins  no  more  :  Hos.  xi.  8,  9.  The 
Lord  wills  to  show  you  his  goodness,  to  proclaim  his  name,  to 
bestow  his  grace,  and  comfort  you  with  his  mercy  in  Christ  Jesus. 
Observe, 

2d.  "  He  will  have  mercy  on  whom  he  willJ^  Here  is  a  never- 
failing  source  of  comfort ;  a  most  poAverful  motive  to  love  and 
obedience ;  that  love  and  mercy  which  God  owes  to  none  he  is 
willing  to  give,  yea,  he  has  freely  given  to  thee.  "  0,"'  says  the 
poor  trembling  soul,  ^^were  I  but  satisfied  that  I  was  one  of  those 
on  whom  he  will  have  mercy,  then  would  my  soul  rejoice  !  Sat- 
isfied !  Why,  what  more  could  the  God  of  love  and  mercy  say, 
than  what  he  has  said  to  satisfy  you  ?  Hear  him  again.  "  I  will 
have  mercy  on  whom  I  tuill  have  mercy.''  Will  he  not  have 
mercy  on  all  ?  The  very  reason  assigned,  why  "  God  hath  con- 
cluded all  in  unbelief,''  is,  that  he  might  have  mercy  upon  all : 
Rom.  xi.  32.  And  the  Apostle  declares,  that  "God  our  Saviour 
will  have  all  men  to  be  saved,  and  come  unto  the  knowledge  of 
the  truth ;  "  and  gives  as  a  reason,  that  "  Christ  Jesus  gave  him- 
self a  ransom  for  all,  to  be  testified  in  due  time  :  "  1  Tim.  ii.  3-6. 
God  has  mercy  upon  all,  without  assigning  any  other  reason  than 
"  /  will !  "  "  He  that  spared  not  his  OAvn  Son,  but  delivered  him 
up  for  us  ALL,  how  shall  he  not  with  him  also  freely  give  us  all 
things?"  Rom.  viii.  32.  All  you  have  to  do,  is,  to  give  your- 
self to  him. 


146 


OF  god's  help. 


"The  Lord  thy  God  will  hold  thy  right  hand,  saying  unto  thee,  Fear  not, 
I  will  help  thee.''  —  Isa.  xii.  13. 

PEOBABLY;  the  churcli^  in  Isaiah's  days,  had  been  pondering 
over  her  weak,  helpless  condition ;  surrounded  with  ene- 
mies, trials,  and  difficulties ;  and  had  been  laying  her  case  before 
the  Lord,  when  he  thus  graciously  commanded  away  her  fears. 
"What  the  Lord  said  then,  he  says  now,  to  all  who  sustain  the 
same  character. 

Believer,  thy  way  may  be  dark  and  dangerous ;  but  let  not  that 
distress  thee  ;  since  the  Lord  thy  God is  well  acquainted  with 
every  step  thou  hast  to  take  ;  and  has  promised, 

1st.  To  "  hold  thy  right  hand :  and,  lest  you  should  make  a 
mis-step,  he  will  order  all  your  steps  :  Ps.  xxxvii.  23.  The  Lord 
does  not  try  to  quell  his  servants'  fears  by  saying,  I  will  have 
an  eye  upon  thee ;  or  I  will  be  near  thee  ;  no,  but  "  I  will  hold 
thy  right  hand.''  He  will  go  hand-in-hand  with  thee ;  where 
thou  goest  he  will  go,  and  guide  thee  continually :  Isa.  Iviii.  11. 
While  the  Lord  has  hold  of  your  hand,  you  have  nothing  to  fear ; 
for  should  you  stumble,  he  will  keep  you  from  falling :  Ps.  cxvi. 
8.  You  may  stagger  through  your  own  weakness,  but  he  will  hold 
you  up  :  Ps.  cxxxix.  10.  And, 

2d.  He  will  encourage  thy  heart,  by  "  saying  unto  thee.  Fear 
notJ'  That  is  just  what  a  fond  father  would  say  to  his  beloved 
child.  Fear  not !  your  father  has  fast  hold  of  your  hand ;  noth- 
ing shall  harm  you,  while  I  am  with  you ;  and  I  am  not  going  to 
leave  you ;  be  not  alarmed  at  anything  you  may  see  or  hear.'' 
Should  all  the  foes  you  have  unite  as  one,  and  come  out  against 
you,  you  need  not  fear ;  for  they  shall  never  be  able  to  pluck  you 
out  of  your  Father's  hand:  John  x.  29.  You  are  weak;  but  no 
matter.  For, 

3d.  The  Lord  thy  God  declares,  I  ivill  help  thee.^'  His  Spirit 
will  enlighten  thee ;  dictate  all  thy  requests ;  draw  up  all  thy 
petitions ;  and  help  thee  whenever  thou  needest  help  :  Rom.  viii. 
26.  And  whenever  thou  criest  unto  him,  he  will  not  only  hear 
thee,  but  help  thee:  2  Chron.  xx.  9.  And  when  thou  art  in 
trouble,  he  will  help  thee  out  of  thy  trouble  :  Ps.  1.  15.  Only  let 
thy  heart  be  right  with  God,  and  depend  upon  him. 


OF  god's  help. 


147 


"If  God  be  for  us,  who  can  be  against  us  ?  '*  —  Rom.  viii.  31. 

THE  apostle  here  speaks  as  one  amazed,  and  swallowed  up, 
with,  the  contemplation  and  -admiration  of  the  privileges  of 
the  people  of  God ;  and  challenges  all  their  enemies  to  do  their 
worst.  "  If  Grod  be  for  us,  who  can  be  against  us  ? Observe, 
1st.  The  ground  of  the  challenge  is,  "  God  being  for  usJ^  He  is 
not  only  not  against  us,  for  that  he  never  was  :  Rom.  v.  8 ;  though 
we  were  formerly  against  him :  Eom.  viii.  7.  He  wa^  never 
against  us,  but  our  sins  :  Eom.  i.  18.  And  now,  our  sins  being 
removed,  which  was  the  sole  cause  of  the  quarrel,  we  have  peace 
with  God  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ :  Rom.  v.  1 ;  by  whom 
God  has  reconciled  us  to  himself:  2  Cor.  v.  18,  19.  God  has 
again  taken  us  into  covenant  with  him ;  all  his  attributes  are  for 
us ;  yea,  all  that  he  has  and  is,  is  for  us :  Deut.  xxxiii.  27.  He 
is  always  for  us,  and  never  against  us ;  notwithstanding  we  may 
sometimes  be  led  to  think  to  the  contrary  :  Gen.  xlii.  36.  Observe, 
2d.  The  challenge.  "Who  can  he  against  us  Who  can  ?  Not 
our  enemies  ;  though  they  may  be  numerous,  formidable,  mali- 
cious, and  cruel,  still  they  cannot  be  against  us,  so  as  to  prevail: 
Isa.  liv.  15-17.  "  Who  can  ?  Not  the  devil ;  for  let  him  do  his 
worst,  he  can  go  no  farther  than  the  length  of  his  chain :  1  Cor. 
X.  13.  "  Who  can  ?  Not  the  world ;  for  that  is  already  con- 
quered: John  xvi.  33.  Neither  can  principalities  nor  powers; 
for  they  have  been  overcome  and  completely  disarmed  by  the 
cross  of  Christ :  Col.  ii.  15.  So  that  it  matters  not  who  comes 
out  against  us,  for  God  will  make  them  fly  before  us :  Deut. 
xxviii.  7.  We  may,  therefore,  not  only  boldly  ask,  Who  can, 
but  What  can  be  against  us?  Shall  tribulation,  or  distress,  oi 
persecution,  or  famine,  or  nakedness,  or  peril,  or  sword  ?  Nay, 
in  all  these  things  we  are  more  than  conquerors,  through  him 
that  loved  us  : Rom.  viii.  35-39.  Only  fear  God,  and  you  have 
nothing  else  to  fear ;  for  no  matter  ivho,  nor  ivhat,  surrounds  you, 
while  you  have  God  to  help  you :  2  Kin.  xvii.  39.  A  soul  conse- 
crated to  God  should  be  resolute  and  brave  in  his  service  ;  because 
he  is  sure  of  His  timely  aid.  Duty  is  thine,  be  careful  not  to 
neglect  it.    Deliverance  is  the  Lord^s. 


148 


OF  god's  CABE. 


He  that  toucheth  you  toucheth  the  apple  of  his  e/e."  —  Zech  ii.  8. 

THE  apple  of  our  eye  is  the  pupil,  or  small  rolling  ball.  A 
little  thing  offends  the  eye ;  and,  therefore,  nature  has  so 
well  guarded  it.  Those  formal  professors  who  reproach  strict 
and  circumspect  walking,  as  needless  preciseness,  consider  not 
that  God  requires  us  to  keep  his  law  as  the  apple  of  our  eye : 
Prov.  vii.  2.  The  law  is  light ;  and  the  law  in  the  heart  is  the 
eye  of  the  soul :  Ps.  cxix.  105.  And  be  it  known  to  all  the  Israel 
of  God,  who  have  a  tender  regard  for  his  law,  that  he  has  a  far 
more  tender  concern  for  them.  According  to  our  contracted 
views,  it  would  often  seem  as  though  God  had  forgotten,  or  alto- 
gether forsook  his  people.  And  the  great  opposition  and  diffi- 
culties, which  they  frequently  meet  with  who  have  been  brought 
out  of  their  Babylonish  captivity,  is  too  apt  to  discourage  those 
who  have  been  left  behind :  Isa.  xlix.  14,  15.  But  none  need  be 
discouraged,  who  are  willing  to  return ;  for  Christ,  our  Leader, 
has  wrought  out  for,  and  proclaims  deliverance  to,  all  the  cap- 
tives :  Luke  iv.  18 ;  and  calls  upon  us  to  assert  our  rights :  Isa. 
lii.  2.  And  in  order  that  man  might  know  his  own  weakness, 
and  God's  care  for  his  people.  He  compares  them  to  the  "  apple 
of  his  eyeJ'  Observe, 

1st.  The  saints,  in  themselves,  are  very  weak  and  easily  hurt; 
and  a  very  little  thing  chafes  and  pains  them.  But, 

2d.  Being  thus  inseparably  connected  with  God,  as  the  apple 
of  the  eye  to  the  body,  they  are  infinitely  dear  to  him.  He  ten- 
derly sympathizes  with  them  in  all  their  afflictions ;  is  offended 
with,  and  will  resist,  every  injury  done  them.  David,  who  well 
understood  the  true  meaning  of  this  expression,  desired  nothing 
more  than  to  be  kept  as  the  apple  of  his  eye  :  Ps.  xvii.  8.  What 
a  strong  expression  of  his  tender  regard  is  this!  ^^He  that 
toucheth  you,''  with  a  design  to  hurt  you,  "  toucheth  the  apple  of 
his  eye."  The  slightest  touch  of  the  eye  causes  pain;  and  to 
prevent  which,  it  has  a  double  guard;  but  cannot  be  better 
guarded  than  the  Lord  guards  his  people :  Ps.  xxxiv.  7.  You 
cannot  be  more  tender  of  your  eye,  than  the  Lord  is  of  you. 
Give  your  fears  to  the  winds,  and  your  cares  to  the  Lord,  who 
cares  more  for  you,  than  a  father  for  a  child. 


OF  god's  care. 


149 


"Casting  all  your  care  upon  him ;  for  he  careth  for  you.^'  —  1  Pet.  v.  7. 

CHEISTIAISTS  should  always  be  men  of  much  prayer  and  lit- 
tle care ;  for  why  should  they  burden  themselves  with  care, 
who  have  so  good  a  God  to  care  for  them  ?  The  Lord  has  made 
it,  not  only  the  privilege,  but  the  duty,  of  all  believers  to  cast 
all  their  burdens  or  cares  upon  him :  Ps.  Iv.  22.  From  these 
words,  we  learn, 

1st.  That  the  best  of  men  are  too  apt  to  burden  themselves 
with  anxious  and  excessive  care.  The  apostle  here  calls  it,  all 
your  care;^^  intimating,  that  the  cares  of  the  people  of  God  are 
various.  And  experience  teaches  all  Christians,  that  they  have 
cares  of  more  kinds  than  one ;  such  as  personal  cares,  family 
cares,  business  cares,  cares  for  themselves,  cares  for  others,  cares 
for  the  church,  present  cares,  future  cares,  imaginary  cares,  bor- 
rowed cares,  besides  a  whole  host  of  nameless  cares. 

2d.  That  our  cares  are  very  burdensome,  and,  too  often,  very 
sinful ;  when  they  arise  from  unbelief  and  diffidence.  A  load  of 
cares  wearies  the  body,  distracts  the  mind,  bears  down  the  soul, 
and  unfits  us  for  the  otherwise  delightful  service  of  God ;  hence 
they  become  sinful. 

3d.  That  the  best  method  of  getting  rid  of  immoderate  care,  is 
''casting  all  your  care  upon  the  Lord.^^  A  firm  reliance  upon  the 
God  of  providence  will  always  reconcile  us  to  the  providence  of 
God. 

"  Cast  all  your  care  upon  him ;  and  be  sure  you  make  no 
reserve ;  let  not  your  present  trials,  nor  your  future  prospects, 
discourage  you  :  Matt.  x.  30.  If  you  have  a  family,  and  cannot 
do  for  them  as  you  would,  do  what  you  can,  and  leave  God  to  do 
the  rest :  Ps.  cxxxviii.  3-6.  Depend  upon  it,  God  will  take  good 
care  of  his  church ;  so  let  not  that  give  you  too  much  uneasiness : 
Isa.  xlix.  23.  And  whatever  your  situation  in  life  might  be,  you 
cannot,  as  a  Christian,  please  Christ  better,  than  by  "  casting  all 
your  care  upon  him."  Prayer  turns  out  care ;  so  that  it  is  a  sure 
sign,  when  Christians  care  much,  that  they  pray  little  :  J ohn  xiv. 
13,  14.  When  the  heart  is  full  of  faith,  there  is  no  room  for  care. 
Be  careful  for  nothing  ;  but  thankful  for  everything :  Phil.  iv.  6. 


150 


GOD  WILL  KOT  FORSAKE  HIS  PEOPLE. 


"For  the  Lord  will  not  cast  off  forever/'  — Lam.  iii.  31. 

HAT  then  ?  shall  we  sin,  because  of  this  soul-cheering 


V  V  declaration  ?  Shall  we,  then,  live  as  we  list ;  walk  after 
the  imaginations  and  desires  of  our  evil  hearts  ;  and  fulfil  all  the 
lusts  of  the  flesh ;  because  we  believe  God's  gracious  assurance, 
that  He  will  not  cast  off  forever  9  God  forbid !  Could  any  one 
who  has  faith  in  the  covenant-love,  the  everlasting  faithfulness, 
the  boundless  goodness,  and  the  immutability  of  the  precious 
promises  of  the  Lord,  find  it  in  his  heart  to  say,  "  Eeligion  is  a 
vain  thing  —  it  is  of  no  use  to  serve  God  —  we  may  as  well  let 
the  reins  go  loose  upon  the  neck  of  our  lusts,  and  take  our  fill  of 
sin ;  ''for  the  Lord  will  not  cast  off  forever  ! No  ;  believer,  this 
is  not  the  language  of  such  a  faith.  Faith  in  the  love  of  God 
works  by  love  to  God :  Gal.  v.  6 ;  and  purifies  the  heart :  Acts 
XV.  9.  It  is  the  goodness  of  God  that  leadeth  men  to  repentance  : 
Rom.  ii.  4.  The  Lord  loves  and  pities  as  a  father,  therefore  he 
corrects  us  as  children :  Ps.  ciii.  13.  If  he  makes  us  smart  for 
our  sins,  it  is  that  we  might  have  a  hatred  to  sin ;  which  is  the 
only  thing  that  can  harm  us.  If  he  puts  us  into  the  furnace  of 
afflictions,  it  is  only  to  take  away  our  dross,  and  lead  us  to  glorify 
him  in  the  fires  :  Isa.  xxiv.  15.  God  frequently  afflicts  his  peo- 
ple ;  but  never  casts  them  off :  Ps.  xciv.  14.  He  may  veil  himself 
in  a  cloud,  and,  to  our  disordered  sight,  it  may  seem  as  though  we 
were  cast  off  forever ;  but  even  then  it  is  but  for  a  moment ;  and 
everlasting  kindness  succeeds  a  moment's  absence :  Isa.  liv.  7,  8. 
He  never  grieves  us  for  his  pleasure,  but  for  our  profit ;  and  often 
makes  use  of  afflictions  to  deliver  us  from  troubles.  But  while 
he  holds  the  cup  of  affliction  in  one  hand,  he  has  the  cup  of  con- 
solation in  the  other. 

The  language  of  every  true  believer,  on  reading  such  precious 
declarations  of  God's  unlimited  eternal  love,  is,  Bless  the  Lord, 
0  my  soul!"  And  why?  Ans.  1st.  ^^We  love  him  because  he 
first  loved  us  : "  1  John  iv.  19.  And  his  love  is  like  himself,  an 
''  everlasting  love  :  "  Jer.  xxxi.  3.  2d.  Because  "  we  are  all  the 
children  of  God  by  faith  in  Christ  Jesus  : "  Gal.  iii.  26.  3d.  "If 
children,  then  heirs ;  heirs  of  God,  and  joint-heirs  with  Christ : '' 
Kom.  viii.  17. 


GOD  WILL  NOT  FORSAKE  HIS  PEOPLE. 


151 


"/  will  not  leave  you  comfortless ;  I  will  come  to  you^ —  John  xiv.  18. 

DAEK  seasons  are  never  pleasant  to  lis,  but  always  good  for 
us.  A  cloudless  sky  could  never  produce  a  good  harvest. 
But  there  are  none  hopeless,  who  are  not  Christless :  Eph.  ii.  12, 
13.  When  intimate  and  kind  friends  are  parting,  it  is  common 
for  them  to  make  a  request  to  each  other  —  "  Pray  let  us  hear 
from  you  shortly,  and  as  frequently  as  you  can  ;  this  the  blessed 
Jesus  engaged  to  his  friends ;  and  assured  them,  that,  out  of 
sight,  they  should  not  be  out  of  mind.  He  saw  that  even  the 
thought  of  his  departure  grieved  them  ;  and  therefore  he  promised 
them  a  continuance  of  his  care. 

1st.  "  I  will  not  leave  you  comfortless,^^  like  poor,  friendless 
orphans ;  for  though,  for  a  little  while,  I  leave  you  without  my 
visible  and  bodily  presence,  I  do  not  leave  you  without  comfort. 
Let  it  not  grieve  you ;  you  have  my  Father  for  your  Father ;  and 
my  departure  is  neither  total  nor  final.  And, 

2d.  As  sure  as  I  go  from  you,  "1  will  come  to  you^  I  shall 
not  be  long  away;  ^^why  hath  sorrow  filled  your  hearts?''  I 
will  come  to  you  speedily.  I  shall  soon  have  conquered  the  king 
of  terrors :  and  the  grave  will  not  be  able  to  hold  me  ;  so  that 
you  may  expect  to  see  me  again  shortly.  I  will  come  to  you,  and 
assist  you  by  my  Spirit  in  the  discharge  of  every  duty  that  may 
devolve  upon  you.  I  will  come  to  you,  and  for  you,  at  the  end 
of  time,  and  introduce  you  into  the  joy  of  your  Lord :  John  xiv. 
1-3. 

You  may  at  times,  believer,  be  brought  into  a  comfortless  con- 
dition ;  but  your  Eedeemer  will  not  leave  you  comfortless :  Ps. 
XXX.  5.  The  enemy  will  not  fail  to  take  advantage  of  your  sor- 
rowful seasons ;  and  may  tauntingly  ask,  Now,  where  is  your 
God  ?  where  is  your  religion  now  ?  and  would  fain  persuade  you 
that  the  Lord  is  clean  gone,  to  return  no  more :  Ps.  xlii.  3-10. 
Think  not  that  he  will  ever  leave  you  finally,  though  he  may 
w^ithdraw  seemingly ;  for  he  will  come  to  you  assuredly ;  he  will 
come  and  not  tarry  :  Heb.  x.  37.  Our  dear  redeeming  Lord  loves 
us  too  well  to  allow  us  to  become  wedded  to  this  vile,  unchaste 
world;  and  therefore  embitters  it  with  tribulations:  John  xiv.  33. 


152 


OF  MERCY  IN  CHRIST. 


"  Unto  you  that  fear  my  name  shall  the  Sun  of  righteousness  arise  with 
healing  in  his  wings;  and  ye  shall  go  forth,  and  grow  up  as  calces  of  the 
sfa//."  — Mai.  iv.  2. 

C HEIST  is  the  light  of  the  world ;  and  is  to  us  what  the  sun 
is  to  the  world ;  his  presence  turns  darkness  into  day  : 
John  viii.  12.  The  Son  of  God  is  the  Sun  that  has  light  in  him- 
self ;  and  before  whom  darkness  is  made  to  fly.  Observe, 

1st.  The  characters  to  whom  this  promise  is  made :  "  Unto 
you  that  fear  my  nameJ^  By  the  name  of  God,  we  understand  is 
meant  whatever  He  has  made  himself  known  unto  us  by;  as, 
Himself:  Ps.  xxix.  2;  His  titles:  Exod.  iii.  13,  14;  His  attributes, 
or  properties :  Exod.  xxxiii.  19  ;  His  word :  Ps.  v.  11 ;  His  wor- 
ship :  1  Kin.  v.  5 ;  His  will  and  purj)ose  concerning  our  salvation  ; 
Ps.  xxii.  22 ;  His  power  and  assistance :  1  Sam.  xvii.  45 ;  His 
wisdom,  power,  and  goodness,  in  creation  and  providence:  Ps.  viii. 
1-9 ;  His  authority :  Micah  v.  4 ;  His  honor  and  renown :  Ps. 
Ixxvi.  1.  True  love  to  God  casts  out  all  slavish  fear,  or  dread  of 
him :  1  John  iv.  18.  But  filial  fear  is  a  holy  affection  of  soul, 
whereby  it  is  inclined  to  regard  God's  authority,  obey  his  com- 
mands, and  hate  whatever  is  sinful :  Jer.  xxxii.  40.  By  the  fear 
of  the  Lord  is  meant  the  whole  of  religion. 

2d.  Jesus  Christ  is  here  called  the  Sun  of  rigJiteousness,^'  to 
denote  his  infinite  glory,  excellency,  gradual  discovery  to  men, 
his  being  the  source  of  all  true  light,  &c. :  John  viii.  12.  He 
rose  upon  this  dark  world ;  and  is  the  Light  of  men :  John  i.  4. 
He  is  himself  a  righteous  Saviour ;  brought  in  an  everlasting 
righteousness ;  and  is  of  God  made  unto  us  righteousness  :  1  Cor. 
i.  30.  With  this  Sun  of  righteousness,  the  church  is  clothed; 
Eev.  xii.  1.  And, 

3d.  Upon  all  that  fear  the  name  of  God,  He  causes  this  Sun 
to  arise  with  iiealing  in  his  wings/^  or  in  his  rays,  or  beams. 
Christ  came  into  the  world,  not  only  as  a  Light,  but  as  a  Physi- 
cian also;  yea,  and  Medicine.  "He  healed  all  manner  of  sick- 
ness and  disease  among  the  people :  Matt.  iv.  23.  And  still  he 
heals  by  wholesale  and  retail. 

4th.  The  good  effect  produced.  They  shall  grow  up,  not  as 
weeds,  but  as  calves  well  fed  :  Ps.  xcii.  14. 


OF  MEflCy  IN  CHRIST. 


153 


"  God  so  loved  the  world  that  he  gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever 
believeth  on  him  should  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life.''  — John  iii.  16. 


"AVINGr  so  much,  more  matter  in  these  words^  than  can  be 
•  crowded  into  so  small  a  page,  let  us  proceed  to  notice, 


First.  The  subjects  of  redemption  —  ''the  worldJ^  Erom  the 
Scriptures  we  learn,  that  by  the  world is  meant,  1st.  The 
whole  of  the  human  family.  For  it  was  their  residence  that  the 
Saviour  visited:  Luke  i.  78,  79  ;  1.  Tim.  i.  15;  and  it  was  their 
nature  he  assumed:  Heb.  ii.  14,  15.  2d.  The  human  race  exclu- 
sively :  Heb.  ii.  16,  17.  None  other  could  call  him  their  Saviour ; 
Luke  ii.  10,  11 ;  none  other  ascribe  their  salvation  to  him :  Eev. 
i.  5,  6.  3d.  The  human  race,  without  exception :  1  John  ii.  2 ;  2 
Cor.  V.  14,  15. 

Secondly.  The  necessity  of  redemption.  All  were  in  a  perish- 
ing condition,  1st.  As  a  penalty  due  to  sin  :  Eom.  v.  12.  Its  im- 
purity rendered  us  unfit  for  heaven :  Heb.  xii.  14.  2d.  Through 
guilt  and  condemnation.  All  were  spiritually  dead,  and  must  have 
remained  so:  Eom.  vi.  23.  3d.  Through  subjection  to  Satan;  to 
his  influence :  Eph.  ii.  2  ;  and  to  his  dominion  :  2  Tim.  ii.  26. 
This  rendered  us  averse  to  the  service  of  God :  Job  xxi.  14.  And, 
4th.  Through  our  inability  to  help  ourselves  ;  either  by  wisdom  : 
Jer.  X.  23 ;  power :  Eom.  v.  6 ;  or  merit :  Hos.  xiii.  9. 

Thirdly.  The  means  of  redemption.  These  include,  1st.  The 
moving  cause  of  our  redemption.  This  is  the  love  of  God.  "  For 
God  so  loved/^  so  really,  freely,  fully,  and  universally,  loved  ''  the 
world  —  the  guilty  world :  Eom.  iii.  19  ;  the  world  who  had 
revolted  from  him :  Isa.  liii.  6 ;  the  world  whose  very  friendship 
was  enmity  with  him  :  J ames  iv.  4 ;  that,  even  while  we  were  yet 
sinners,  he  gave  the  strongest  possible  proof  of  his  love  to  the 
world  of  sinners  :  Eom.  v.  8.  2d.  The  procuring  cause,  by  which 
redemption  is  obtained  for  us.  This  is  the  gift  of  God's  ''only 
begotten  Son,^^  who  was  given  to  us  under  various  characters ;  as 
our  Prophet,  to  teach  us :  Deut.  xviii.  18 ;  as  a  Priest,  to  atone 
and  intercede  for  us  :  Heb.  x.  19-22 ;  and  as  a  King,  to  rule  over 
and  bless  us  :  Ps.  ii.  6.  There  is  enough  in  Christ  for  all  the 
world. 


164 


OF  ALL  GKACE  FKOM  CHllIST. 


"Surely,  shall  one  say,  In  the  Lord  have  I  righteousness  and  strength/*  — 
Isa.  xlv.  24. 

AWOELDLI]N"G  glories  in  the  things  of  the  world;  but  a 
Christian  glories  in  Christ ;  yea^  he  glories  more  in  Christ's 
cross,  than  the  world's  crown  :  Gal.  vi.  14.  Jew  and  Gentile,  pub- 
lican and  pharisee,  outwardly  pious  and  openly  profane,  are  all 
upon  a  level  in  point  of  justification  before  God.  There  is,  natu- 
rally, none  righteous,  no,  not  one  :  Eom.  iii.  10,  23.  Who,  then,  can 
be  saved  ?  None,  by  his  own  righteousness  ;  no,  not  even  the  most 
moral  man  upon  earth,  if  he  has  nothing  better  than  his  own 
morality  to  recommend  him  :  Eom.  iii.  20. 

'^Surely,  shall  one  say,''  yea,  and  many  more  shall  learn  from 
the  example  to  say  the  same  ;  and  not  only  say  it,  but  stick  to  it. 
Say  what  ?  Why,  "In  the  Lord  have  I  righteousness ;  for  what 
Jesus,  my  Lord,  is  in  his  nature,  and  by  his  life,  perfectly  right- 
eous, that  I  am  in  him.  What  I  have  not  in  myself,  I  have  in 
him  who  loved  me,  and  gave  himself  for  me  :  Titus  ii.  14.  The 
Lord  is  righteousness  in  himself ;  righteous  altogether ;  and  can 
never  act  contrary  to  what  is  righteous  :  Ps.  cxvi.  5.  And  we  have 
our  righteousness  in  him,  who  is  "  THE  LOED  QUE  EIGHT- 
EOUSNESS:"  Jer.  xxiiL  6;  and  if  we  depend  upon  Christ 
for  righteousness,  we  shall  be  justified  by  faith  in  him :  Eom.  v. 
1 ;  our  faith  being  counted  to  us  for  righteousness  :  Eom.  iv.  3-8. 
It  is  not  according  to  anything  that  we  have  done,  can,  or  may 
do :  Titus  iii.  5 ;  but  by  grace,  through  faith,  that  we  are  saved  : 
Eph.  ii.  8,  9.  Do  not  cast  away  the  little  confidence  you  have  in 
the  Lord ;  but  rather  hold  fast ;  resist  unbelief ;  and  remember 
that  your  faith  is  your  victory  :  1  John  v.  4.  It  is  well  to  feel 
our  own  weakness  ;  but  better  to  know  that  in  the  Lord  we  have 
strength.  Surely,  shall  one  say,"  —  and  why  not  you  ?  —  in 
the  Lord  have  I  righteousness."  Let  this  be  your  triumph 
against  every  accusation.  And  let  this  be  your  victory  over 
every  enemy ;  in  Jesus,  my  Lord,  I  have  strength : "  Phil.  iv. 
13.  Complain  no  longer,  but  apply  to  God,  through  Christ,  for 
all  you  need.  Though  unholy  and  weak  in  yourself;  you  can  do 
all  things,  through  Christ  strengthening  of  you. 


OF  ALL  GRACE  VROU  CHRIST. 


155 


*'And  of  his  fulness  have  all  we  received,  and  grace  for  grace.'' — John  i. 

16. 

JESUS  CHEIST  received  gifts  for  men :  Ps.  Ixviii.  18 ;  that 
he  might  give  gifts  to  men :  Eph.  iv.  8.  He  was  filled  that 
he  might  fill  all  in  all :  Eph.  i.  23.  "  And  of  his  fulness  have  all 
we  received.^'  So  that  we  have  nothing  whereof  to  boast^  having 
nothing  but  what  we  have  received.  But  let  us  see  what  we  have 
received. 

1st.  The  blessing  received  is  grace.  All  the  blessings  we 
have  received  from  Christ  are  summed  up  in  this  short  word, 
"  GraceP  This  is  what  the  angels  declared  to  be  the  good  will 
of  God  toward  us  :  Luke  ii.  14 ;  and  that  works  the  good  work 
of  God  within  us :  Phil.  ii.  13.  As  the  air  receives  light  from 
the  fulness  of  the  sun,  so  we  receive  grace  from  the  fulness  of 
Christ. 

2d.  The  manner  in  which  we  receive  it;  grace  for  graceP 
And  this  bespeaks,  1st.  The  freeness  of  this  grace.  It  is  grace 
for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ,  given  to  us  according  to  grace  : 
Eom.  xii.  6.  The  God  of  grace  being  well  pleased  in  his  Son,  is 
pleased  with  us  in  him  :  Eph.  i.  6.  2d.  The  fulness  of  this  grace. 
Grace  for  grace  is  an  abundance  of  grace,  grace  upon  grace,  one 
grace  heaped  upon  another ;  that  he  might  show  the  exceeding 
riches  of  his  grace  :  Eph.  ii.  7.  3d.  The  serviceahleness  of  this 
grace.  Grace  for  grace,  is  grace  for  the  promotion  of  grace. 
The  apostles  received  grace :  Eph.  iii.  8  ;  that  they  might  com- 
municate it  to  others  :  1  Pet.  iv.  10.  4th.  The  substitution  of 
New  Testament  grace  in  the  room  and  stead  of  Old  Testament 
grace.  The  Old  Testament  had  grace  in  type,  the  l!^ew  Testa- 
ment has  grace  in  truth :  John  i.  17.  5th.  The  augmentation  of 
grace.  Grace  for  grace,  is  one  grace,  to  improve,  strengthen, 
confirm,  and  perfect,  another  grace.  We  receive  grace  that  we 
might  grow  in  grace :  2  Pet.  iii.  18.  And,  6th.  Orace  for  grace 
is  grace  in  us,  answering  to  the  grace  that  is  in  him  ;  as  the  im- 
pression upon  the  coin  answers  to  the  die.  The  grace  we  receive 
from  Christ  changes  us  into  the  same  image  :  2  Cor.  iii.  18.  All 
fulness  is  in  Jesus  ;  and  every  believer  in  him  receives  of  his  ful- 
ness of  grace  as  the  branch  receives  sap  from  the  fulness  of  the 
root,  and  the  pitcher  water  from  the  fulness  of  the  fount  lin. 


156 


OF  BEDEMPTION  IN  CHRIST. 


"Say  to  the  prisoners.  Go  forth ;  to  them  that  are  in  darkness,  Show  your^ 
selves.^'  —  Isa.  xlix.  9. 


HEN  Christ  was  given  for  a  covenant  of  the  people  :  ver. 


V  V  8 ;  he  was  given  for  a  pledge  of  all  the  blessings  of  the 
covenant ;  it  was  in  him  that  God  was  reconciling  the  world  unto 
himself :  2  Cor.  v.  19.  He  undertook  to  save  his  people  from 
their  sins  :  Matt.  i.  21 ;  and  to  accomplish  which  he  had  to  bear 
their  sins  :  1  Pet.  ii.  24 ;  and  suffer  for  their  sins  :  Isa.  liii.  4,  6. 
And  having  fulfilled  the  law  which  they  broke,  he  has  become 
the  end  of  the  law  for  righteousness  to  every  one  that  believ- 
eth :  Eom.  x.  4.  He  "  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curse  of  the 
law,  being  made  a  curse  for  us  : Gal.  iii.  13.  And  every  demand 
of  Divine  Justice  being  fully  satisfied,  He  has  an  undoubted  right 
to  "  say  to  the  prisoners/'  who  were  bound  over  to  the  justice  of 
God,  and  under  the  power  of  Satan,  "  Go  forth.'^^  Jesus  Christ  is 
the  Mediator  of  the  covenant ;  our  blessed  Daysman,  who  hath 
made  peace  by  the  blood  of  his  cross :  Col.  i.  20,  21.  And  his 
business  now  is,  to  free  the  souls  of  men  from  the  bondage  of 
guilt  and  corruption ;  and  bring  them  into  the  glorious  liberty  of 
the  sons  of  God :  Luke  iv.  18.  He  first  looses  every  bond,  and 
then  says  to  the  prisoners,  "  Go  forth ;  I  have  answered  all 
claims ;  you  are  fully  emancipated :  you  were  deep  in  debt  to  the 
Father,  but  the  Son  has  made  you  free  :  and  you  are  free  indeed  ; 
Go  forth,  and  enjoy  your  freedom  :  John  viii.  36.  "  Show  your- 
selves.^^ You  have  been  long  enough  shut  up  darkness 
make  it  known  that  you  are  free,  by  going  forth  and  showing 
yourselves.  Now  ye  are  no  longer  children  of  darkness ;  but 
children  of  the  light.  Go  forth  —  Shoio  yourselves.^^  Let  your 
light  so  shine  before  men,  that  they  might  see  you  are  set  at 
large  ;  and  that  will  tend  to  God's  glory  and  your  good :  Matt.  v. 


Go,  believer,  do  as  your  dear  Eedeemer  bids  you.  Do  not  be 
afraid  to  go  forth  and  assert  your  rights,  because  you  still  feel 
in-bred  corruption  making  a  desperate  struggle ;  for  that  is  no 
proof  that  Christ  has  not  made  you  free,  but  the  contrary ;  for  it 
is  that  principle  of  grace  within  you  that  is  seeking  the  destruc- 
tion of  sin :  Eom.  vii.  23. 


14-16. 


OF  EEDEMPTION  IN  CHRIST. 


157 


"Christ  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curse  of  the  law,  being  made  a  curse  for 
i/s."_-Gal.  iii.  13. 

^'  "VT^E  are  not  under  the  law/'  says  the  apostle  :  Eom.  vi.  14 ; 

JL  but  under  grace  ;  and  well  for  us  that  it  is  so  !  For 
were  we  under  it^  as  fallen  creatures,  it  could  benefit  us  nothing, 
being  weak  through  the  flesh  :  Rom.  viii.  3  ;  but  it  would  irritate 
our  evil  propensities  which  it  cannot  cure  :  Eom.  vii.  5,  8  ;  and 
would  follow  us  with  its  curses  wherever  we  went :  Gal.  iii.  10. 
It  is  no  wonder  that  Christ  should  be  called  Wonderful !  seeing 
he  performs  nothing  less  than  wonders  :  Isa.  ix.  6.  It  was  a 
wonderful  method  he  took  to  redeem  us.  Having  violated  the 
law  of  God,  we  were  brought  under  the  curse  of  that  lav/  :  Gal. 
iii.  10  ;  which  curse  is  nothing  less  than  wrath  revealed  :  Eom.  i. 
18  ;  and  death  :  Eom.  vi.  23.  But  "  Christ  hat/i  redeemed  us  from 
tJie  curse  of  the  law;'^  so  that  we  have  nothing  to  fear  on  that 
score.  According  to  God's  ancient  declaration,  we  had  sold  our- 
selves for  naught;  and  were  redeemed  without  money:  Isa.  Iii.  3. 
Though  Christ  redeemed  us  without  money,  it  was  not  without 
price  ;  he  being  made  a  curse  for  us : "  Deut.  xxi.  23.  The 
Lord  hath  laid  upon  him  the  iniquity  of  us  all :  "  Isa.  liii.  6. 
"  Christ  bore  our  sins  in  his  own  body  on  the  tree  :  "  1  Pet.  ii.  24 ; 
"  He  suffered,  the  just  for  the  unjust : "  1  Pet.  iii.  18  ;  and  gave 
his  precious  blood  for  our  redemption  :  1  Pet.  i.  18,  19.  We 
have  redemption  through  his  blood,  the  forgiveness  of  sins  :  " 
Eph.  i.  7.  He  hung  upon  the  racking  cross  for  us  :  sweat  blood, 
shed  blood,  groaned  and  died  for  us  ;  to  free  us  from  that  misery, 
which,  as  sinners,  we  had  sunk  into  ;  and  which,  while  we  remain 
unconverted  sinners,  we  are  still  in :  Eom.  v.  19.  Christ  has 
conquered  our  fiercest  foes  ;  and  not  only  made  a  way  through 
himself  to  escape  the  curse,  but  to  obtain  a  blessing  :  Heb.  x.  20. 
But  it  is  only  through  faith  in  him,  that  we  can  obtain  a  sense  of 
the  favor  of  God  ;  for  whoever  comes  to  Christ's  door  must  be  a 
humble  beggar,  and  plead  nothing  of  his  own  personal  worth;  for 
Christ  serves  none  but  poor,  helpless,  and  lost  sinners  :  Matt.  ix. 
12, 13.  Christ  apprehends  the  sinner  by  his  Spirit :  1  Cor.  xii.  13 ; 
and  the  sinner  apprehends  Christ  by  his  faith  :  Eph.  iii.  17  ;  and 
so  they  become  one :  Phil.  iii.  12. 


158 


OF  chkist's  cahe  over  his  church. 


">l  bruised  reed  shall  he  not  break,  and  the  smoking  flax  shall  he  not 
quench. — Isa.  xlii.  3. 

SUCH  is  the  love  of  Christ  to  his  people,  that,  wherever  he 
discovers  a  willingness  of  spirit,  he  passes  by  the  weakness 
of  the  flesh :  Matt.  xxvi.  41.  Those  who  are  weak,  even  as  a  reed, 
yea,  a  "  bruised  reed,''  he  will  not  break  them  ;  but  pities  them, 
and  gives  them  no  more  work  than  they  have  strength  to  perform : 
1  Cor.  X.  13.  You  may  be  so  oppressed  with  doubts  and  fears, 
that  you  may  be  led  to  look  upon  yourself  as  the  weakest  of  all 
God's  plants,  even  as  a  reed.    Well,  be  it  so ;  but,  Observe, 

1st.  "  A  reed,''^  is  an  emblem  of  weakness,  and  a  "  bruised  reed  " 
is  still  weaker.  And  such  is  the  feebleness  of  all  poor,  broken- 
hearted sinners,  who  feel  themselves  pressed  and  bowed  down 
beneath  a  load  of  guilt.  But  Christ  will  not  break  one  such 
bruised  reed ;  no ;  he  came  to  bind  up  that  which  was  broken ; 
and  to  strengthen  that  which  was  bruised  :  Luke  iv.  18. 

2d.  He  will  not  extinguish  the  "  smoking  flax  J'  Though  you 
may  be  like  a  lamp  that  has  more  smoke  than  light,  and  that 
burns  but  dimly  for  the  want  of  oil,  he  will  not  put  out  the  little 
light  you  have,  on  account  of  the  offensiveness  of  the  smoke  you 
emit ;  but  will  give  you  more  oil,  and  cause  your  light  to  burn 
clearly  :  Ps.  xviii.  28.  Were  you  left  to  yourself,  the  reed  would 
soon  break,  and  the  flax  or  lamp  would  soon  go  out ;  but  such  is 
the  tender  regard  that  Jesus  has  for  you,  he  will  not  only  not 
break  you,  nor  quench  you  himself,  but  will  suffer  no  one  else  to 
do  it :  Isa.  xl.  11.  But, 

3d.  There  is  much  more  implied,  than  what  is  expressed  in  this 
precious  promise.  For,  instead  of  breaking  the  reed,  he  will  so 
strengthen  and  support  it,  that  it  shall  become  like  the  tall  and 
stately  cedar :  Ps.  xcii.  12.  Do  not  think^  because  you  are  like 
the  smoking  lamp,  or  a  candle  newly  lighted,  that  your  little  light 
will  be  put  out  by  the  first  puff  of  wind  that  comes,  or  the  first 
drop  of  water  that  falls  ;  for  he  will  fan  it  into  a  flame :  Phil.  i.  6. 
Wherever  true  grace  is  found,  more  grace  is  given :  James  iv.  6. 
If  you  are  weak  in  grace,  be  not  doubtful,  but  thankful ;  impi^ove 
the  little  you  have,  and  seek  for  fresh  supplies  :  John  xv.  7 


OF  Christ's  care  over  his  church. 


159 


"  Christ  also  loved  the  church,  and  gave  himself  for  it.''  —  Eph.  v.  26. 
OTWITHSTANDING  the  many  failings  and  imperfections 
of  the  church,  no  husband  could  ever  love  his  bride  so 
sincerely,  purely,  ardently,  and  constantly,  as  Christ  does  his 
church ;  which  he  is  pleased  to  call  his  wife  :  Eev.  xxi.  9.  Observe, 
Ist.  Christ's  love  to  his  church.  His  love  is  a  Primary  love : 
1  John  iv.  19 ;  a  Eedeeming  love  :  Titus  ii.  14 ;  a  Pardoning  love : 
Isa.  xl.  2 ;  a  Justifying  love  :  Eom.  iii.  24 ;  an  Adopting  love : 
John  i.  12,  13 ;  a  Sanctifying  love  :  1  Cor.  vi.  11 ;  a  Glorifying 
love:  Eom.  viii.  17.  Christ  not  only  "has  loved  the  church,'^ 
but  he  continues  to  love  her ;  and  he  could  as  soon  cease  to  live 
as  cease  to  love.  His  church  is  always  uppermost  on  his  mind ; 
and  his  love  to  her  can  never  be  told,  neither  by  angels  nor  men ; 
for  as  the  Father  loves  the  Son,  so  the  Son  loves  the  church : 
John  XV.  9.  Men  frequently  love  from  the  mouth,  outwardly ; 
but  Christ  loves  from  the  heart,  inwardly.  His  love  passeth 
knowledge ;  so  that,  we  can  neither  find  minds  to  know,  nor 
words  to  express  his  love  :  Eph.  iii.  19.  The  world  may  love 
you  on  account  of  what  money  you  may  have  in  your  pocket ;  but 
will  never  love  you  for  the  grace  you  have  in  your  heart :  John 
XV.  19.  Christ  loves  you  the  same  in  poverty  as  in  riches ;  the 
same  in  rags  as  in  silks  ;  in  a  dungeon  as  in  a  palace.  The  world 
may  cry  ^^Hosanna ! to-day,  and  "Crucify  him  ! ''  to-morrow.  But 
that  is  not  the  way  that  Christ  loves ;  for  having  loved  his  own, 
he  continues  to  love  them :  John  xiii.  1. 

2d.  The  proof  of  his  love  :  "  He  gave  Imnself  for  it : ''  Titus  ii. 
14.  Greater  love  hath  no  man  than  this.  What  could  he  give 
more  than  himself  ?  He  submitted  to  be  made  a  curse  for  us, 
that  he  might  redeem  us  from  the  curse  of  the  law  :  Gal.  iii.  13. 
And  this  he  did,  "  that  the  blessing  of  Abraham  might  come  on 
the  Gentiles  through  him : "  that  all  believers,  whether  Jews  or 
Gentiles,  might  become  heirs  of  Abraham's  blessing.  He  was 
rich  in  power  and  glory;  yet,  for  the  sake  of  enriching  poor 
sinners,  he  became  poor  :  2  Cor.  viii.  9.  He  discharged  our  debts, 
burst  our  bonds,  and  united  us  to  himself ;  and  having  done  so 
much,  will  he  not  do  the  little  that  remains  ? 


160 


OF  THE  HOLY  SPIRIT. 


"Behold,  I  will  pour  out  my  spirit  unto  you,  I  will  make  known  my  words 
unto  you/'  —  Prov.  i.  23. 

TRUE  grace  is  necessary  to  a  true  conversion ;  and  whoever 
seeks  it  honestly,  and  submits  to  it  willingly,  shall  find  it 
assuredly :  Luke  xi.  9,  10.  Set  yourself  to  do  what  you  can, 
and  God  will  do  all  you  need ;  and  will  help  you  to  do  that, 
which,  without  his  grace,  you  could  not  do  :  Phil.  ii.  13.  Think 
not  that  your  hand  is  so  withered  you  cannot  stretch  it  forth ; 
all  you  have  to  do,  is,  to  make  the  effort  in  obedience  to  the 
command  of  Christ ;  and  he  who  gives  tlie  word  will  give  the 
power,  in  the  attempt :  Matt.  xii.  13.  The  Author  of  this  grace 
is  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  here  you  have  it  promised,  not  sparingly, 
but  plentifully.  For  the  Lord  will  not  only  give  a  few  drops, 
but  ^'will  pour  out  his  spirit  unto  you^^''  as  freely  as  water  runs 
from  the  fountain  ;  and  shall  be  in  you,  ever  living  and  ever  flow- 
ing :  John  vii.  38.  You  may  have  heard  much,  and  have  under- 
stood but  little  of  God's  word ;  but  for  your  encouragement  it  is 
promised,  that  you  shall  not  only  hear  his  words,  but  know  them. 

I  will,"  says  He,  "  moke  linown  my  words  unto  you :  so  that 
it  shall  become  your  delight  to  keep  them :  Ps.  i.  2.  You  have 
nothing  to  fear  from  any  quarter,  while  you  have  the  Spirit  of 
God  to  guide  you,  and  the  word  of  God  to  rule  you.  The  more 
you  have  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  the  more  you  will  know  of  the 
words  of  God,  and  the  less  you  will  have  of  the  spirit  of  the 
world :  1  John  ii.  16,  17. 

All  who  are  the  sons  of  God,  are  led  by  the  Spirit  of  God: 
Eom.  viii.  14 ;  and  all  who  are  Christ's  followers,  hear  Christ's 
words,  and  know  them  to  be  his  :  John  x.  27  ;  and  obey  and 
treasure  them  up  in  their  hearts  :  John  xv.  7.  Doubt  no  longer 
of  God's  willingness  to  give  ;  for  he  here  twice  declares,  "  I  will.''^ 
Hath  he  said  it,  and  will  he  not  do  it  ?  He  will  give  you 
freely  and  plentifully  of  his  Spirit,  to  guide,  direct,  comfort,  and 
sanctify  you  ;  and  will  give  you  a  heart  to  understand  his  words  : 
Ps.  cvii.  43. 

It  is  by  the  Spirit  given  unto  us  that  we  are  enabled  to  cleave 
unto  Jesus  in  heart  and  affection,  as  our  only  hope,  and  walk 
worthy  the  vocation  wherewith  we  are  called :  Eph.  iv.  1.  You 
have  only  to  ask  and  have. 


OF  THE  HOLY  SPIRIT. 


161 


"Vie  have  not  received  the  spirit  of  the  world,  but  the  Spirit  which  is  of 
God ;  that  we  might  know  the  things  that  are  freely  given  to  us  of  God.''  —  1 
Cor.  ii.  12. 

"iV  /TElSr  unsanctified  receive  not  the  things  of  God ;  their  minds 


are  prejudiced  against  them,  so  that  they  appear  foolish- 
ness unto  them  :  Ver.  14.  No  man  can  know  or  believe  them  to 
salvation,  till  the  mind  has  been  enlightened  by  the  Spirit  of 
God.  The  wisest  men  of  this  world  are  but  fools  in  God's  ac- 
count :  1  Cor.  iii.  19.  And  as  the  mind  of  man  dwells  in  himself, 
and  cannot  be  known  by  another,  until  he  makes  it  known,  so  the 
Spirit  of  God  is  in  God,  and  we  know  nothing  of  the  mind  of 
God,  till  it  is  revealed.  "  We  have  not  received  the  spirit  of  the 
world,''  which  could  be  of  no  assistance  to  us,  "but  the  Spirit 
which  is  of  God,''  that  knows  the  things  of  God,  it  being  one 
with  God :  Ezek.  xxxvi.  27. 

We  have  received  the  Spirit  of  God,  "  that  we  might  knoiv  the 
things  that  are  freely  given  to  us  of  God."  We  can  neither  know 
them,  nor  savingly  believe  them  till  they  are  made  known  unto 
us,  by  his  Spirit  revealing  them  unto  us  :  John  xiv.  16,  IT.  Gos- 
pel privileges  are  great  privileges,  that  are  '\freely  given  to  us  of 
God.^^  Notwithstanding  they  are  freely  given,  and  the  revelation 
of  this  gift  is  made,  they  could  not  benefit  us,  without  the  Spirit 
showing,  not  only  what  God  is,  but  also,  what  the  things  of  God 
are,  John  xvi.  13,  that  he  has  done  for,  wrought  in,  and  given  to 
us.  Whatever  a  man  may  possess  beside,  if  he  possess  not  the 
Spirit  of  Christ,  he  is  none  of  his :  Eom.  viii.  9.  The  Spirit  of 
God  is  a  living  Spirit ;  an  enlivening  Spirit ;  a  leading  Spirit ;  a 
sealing  Spirit ;  and,  therefore,  all  who  have  his  Spirit,  pray  in  the 
Spirit ;  and  with  the  Spirit ;  and  by  the  Spirit ;  and  for  more  of 
the  Spirit :  Luke  xi.  13.  All  who  believe  receive  constant  sup- 
plies ;  and  have  the  Spirit  of  God  dwelling  in  them  :  2  Tim.  i. 
14.  Poor,  drooping  believer,  thou  feelest  thy  sins  and  corrup- 
tions, and  art  ready  to  conclude  that  thou  hast  neither  part  nor 
lot  in  the  matter.  What !  believe  the  truth,  and  not  be  sancti- 
fied by  the  Spirit !  Impossible  !  As  sure  as  thou  art  a  believer 
in  Jesus,  his  Spirit  hath  sanctified  thee  through  faith.  Sin  not  \ 
a^ud  fear  not.    Ask  and  have,    Eun  and  wiu. 


162 


OF  THE  spirit's  HELP  IN  PRAYER. 


"Lord,  thou  hast  heard  the  desire  of  the  humble :  thou  wilt  prepare  thttn 
heart,  thou  wilt  cause  thine  ear  to  hear.''  —  Ps.  x.  17. 

EVER  did  the  Lord  say  to  a  humble,  penitent  soul,  "  Seek 
my  face  in  vain :  Isa.  xlv.  19.  And  what  he  was,  that 
he  now  is,  and  ever  will  be ;  hence,  every  one  has  encouragement 
to  pray.  Consider, 

1st.  The  Lord  has  heard  the  desire  of  the  humble  :  and  his 
ear  is  still  open  to  their  cry  :  Ps.  xxxiv.  15.  .  The  Lord  prepares 
the  hearts  of  his  people,  by  first  giving  them  to  see  and  feel  their 
need ;  and  by  giving  them  a  holy  desire  after  the  very  blessings 
that  he  designs  to  give  them :  Pro  v.  xvi.  1.  He  gives  and 
strengthens  their  faith :  Eph.  ii.  8  ;  fixes  their  thoughts  on  the 
desired  blessing;  raises  their  affections,  and  graciously  accepts 
of  their  prayers ;  which  serves  to  strengthen  their  confidence, 
and  enables  them  to  say,  "  Lord  thou  hast  heard,^'  not  only  the 
well-formed  prayer,  but,    the  desire  of  the  humble : "  Ps.  ix.  12. 

2d.  The  Lord  will  hear  :  Micah  vii.  7.  Thou  wilt  prepare 
their  heart  ;  "  so  that  no  one  can  excuse  themselves  from  i)ray- 
ing,  on  account  of  the  badness  of  their  heart.  If  you  are  sen- 
sible of  the  plague  of  your  heart,  go  to  the  Lord,  who  alone  can 
prepare  the  heart.  And  this  he  does  through  his  Spirit  enabling 
them  to  mortify  its  various  lusts,  and  bringing  it  into  a  humble, 
holy  frame,  and  longing  after  God  in  Christ  Jesus  :  1  Sam.  vii. 
3  ;  Eom.  viii.  13.  And  having  prepared  the  heart  for  the  mercy 
needed  and  prayed  for.  He  will, 

3d.  "Cause  his  ear  to  hear"  the  prayer  offered  unto  him.  It 
is  impossible  for  God  to  be  unmindful  of  his  people's  condition. 
He  is  always  ready  to  hear  and  regard  their  cry ;  and  deliver 
them  from  all  their  enemies  and  afflictions :  Ps.  xxxiv.  17. 

Let  your  case  be  what  it  may,  you  have  only  to  make  it  known 
to  the  Lord  :  Phil.  iv.  6.  Do  not  say,  "  I  am  so  weak  and  igno- 
rant, so  vile  and  ungrateful,  that  I  cannot  pray ;  for  that  is  the 
very  reason  why  you  should  pray.  And  if,  at  any  time,  your 
heart  is  too  full  to  form  words,  look  at  a  throne  of  grace,  and  the 
Lord  will  hear  "  the  desire  : Ps.  xxxvii.  4.  If  you  lack  wisdom 
ask  it ;  and  rest  assured,  that  you  can  need  nothing  that  God  is 
uot  willing  to  give  :  Phil,  iv,  19, 


OF  THE  spirit's  HELP  IN  PRAYER. 


163 


"  Ye  have  received  the  Spirit  of  adoption,  whereby  we  cry,  Abba,  Father" 
Rom.  viii.  15. 

THIS  is  the  peculiar  glory  of  gospel-grace  ;  sinners  become  the 
sons  of  God ;  and  have  the  joyful  knowledge  of  it  here  upon 
earth  :  1  John  iii.  1,  2.  Observe, 

1st.  Every  believer  in  Christ  is  a  son,  or  child  of  God :  John 
i.  12 ;  and  as  such,  each  one  has  the  witness  in  himself :  Rom.  viii. 
16 ;  and  has  the  broad  seal  of  heaven  put  upon  him :  2  Cor.  i.  22. 
What  have  you  to  fear  from  the  world,  if  you  are  a  heaven-born 
child  ? 

2d.  "  Ye  have  received  the  Spirit/^  not  of  bondage ;  no ;  the 
Spirit  of  God  never  was,  nor  ever  can  be  the  spirit  of  bondage 
to  any  soul ;  it  is  contrary  to  his  nature ;  he  is  a  Spirit  of  liberty, 
that  takes  the  things  of  Christ  and  shows  them  unto  us  :  John 
xvi.  14.  He  convinces  of  sin,  breaks  the  yoke  of  sin  and  the 
law,  of  death  and  Satan ;  that  the  soul  might  become  united  to 
Christ  by  faith.  We  receive  the  Spirit  of  adoption^'  by  the 
faith  of  Jesus  ;  Ave  see  God's  righteous  law  fulfilled  by  his  per- 
fect obedience :  Eom.  v.  19.  Through  this  righteousness,  the 
Spirit  brings  peace  to  our  troubled  consciences,  and  frees  us  from 
-all  our  guilty  fears  :  Eom.  v.  1.  God  has  no  still-born  children ; 
and  his  children,  like  ours,  soon  give  signs  of  life  by  their  cries. 

3d.  The  Spirit  gives  us  a  cry ;  and  becomes  a  Spirit  of  grace 
and  supplication  to  us  :  Eph.  vi.  18.    Do  not  plead  your  igno- 
rance any  longer ;  for    ye  have  received  the  Spirit  of  adoption  3 
and  that  Spirit  will  teach  you  what  to  say,  and  how  to  say  it. 

4th.  "  WJiereby  we  cry,  Abba,  Father What  a  precious  cry  ! 
none  but  a  regenerate  soul  could  ever  utter  such  a  cry :  Eom . 
viii.  26.  You  may  have  many  enemies  standing  between  you 
and  a  throne  of  grace,  who  will  do  all  they  can  to  prevent  your 
approach;  but  you  have  one  Friend  stronger  than  all,  who  will 
lead  you  through  them  all :  Heb.  ii.  10.  Never  listen  to  unbelief, 
or  you  may  be  reasoned  out  of  your  evidence  of  your  adoption. 
When  children  cannot  speak  they  can  cry,  and  thus  express  their 
wants;  and  so  may  you  "cr?/,  Abba,  Father  that  is.  Father, 
Father ;  and  if  you  can  say  no  more,  that  will  be  rhetoric  enough 
Father  will  know  what  it  means, 


164 


OF  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ANGELS. 


"  The  angel  of  the  Lord  encampeth  round  about  them  that  fear  him,  and 
delivereth  them.**  —  Ps.  xxxiv.  7. 

JACOB  loved  his  little  Benjamin  as  dearly  as  any  of  his  full- 
grown  brethren.  So  the  feeblest  follower  of  Jesus,  though 
ever  so  weak  in  faith  and  understanding,  is  equally  dear  to  the 
Father  as  the  strongest  believer,  and  heir  to  the  same  inheri- 
tance. And  the  Lord  has  left  nothing  undone  that  could  be  done, 
to  make  those  truly  blessed  who  trust  in  him.  And  as  every 
believer  in  Jesus  is  born  of  a  royal  line :  John  i.  13 ;  so  their 
heavenly  Father  honors  them  as  such :  for  as  a  life-guard  would 
encamp  around  a  prince  to  protect  his  royal  person,  so  "  the  angel 
of  the  Lord  encampeth  round  about  them  that  fear  him."  It 
is  said,  "the  angel/^  though,  perhaps,  there  are  a  full  guard  of 
angels,  who  are  as  unanimous  in  protecting  the  saints  as  though 
there  were  but  one.  Observe, 

1st.  God  makes  use  of  good  sjnrits  to  protect  his  children  from 
the  malice  of  evil  spirits.  Jacob  was  guarded  by  a  host  of  them : 
Gen.  xxxii.  1,  2 ;  and  so  is  every  child  of  God  as  really,  though 
not  as  sensibly  :  Luke  xv.  10.  We  are  not  sensible  of  half  the 
blessings  conferred  upon  us. 

2d.  They  do  not  merely  come  to  see  them,  but  encamp  around 
them : "  so  that  they  are  in  constant  attendance,  always  ready  to 
serve  them :  Heb.  i.  14.  The  enemy  may  throw  his  darts  about 
them ;  but  can  never  harm  them,  while  in  the  centre  of  so  good 
a  camp :  Isa.  xli.  11.  Angels  are  their  servants,  and  are  "  sent 
forth  to  minister  for  them;"  to  serve  them  in  every  possible  way; 
to  oppose  all  that  opposes  them ;  to  fight  all  their  battles ;  to 
guard  them  while  in  the  field  ;  and  escort  them  home  when  their 
warfare  is  accomplished :  Luke  xvi.  22.  It  matters  not  who,  nor 
how  many,  are  against  them.  For, 

3d.  He  "  delivereth  them ; "  and  as  no  part  is  left  unguarded, 
and  as  their  friends  are  so  much  mightier  than  their  foes,  they 
have  nothing  to  dread  from  any  quarter,  while  they  ''fear  Him  " 
whose  angel  guards  them  :  2  Kings  vi.  16,  17.  All  who  live  holy 
may  depend  upon  being  kept  safely.  Jesus  makes  all  his  mem- 
bers safe  and  comfortable: — their  Guard  never  sleeps  on  his 
post :  Ps.  cxxi.  3,  4.  Let  us  wlio  have  such  holy  guards,  be  care- 
ful to  live  holy  lives  :  Heb.  xiii.  1. 


OF  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ANGELS. 


165 


"Are  they  not  all  ministering  spirits,  sent  forth  to  minister  for  them  who 
shall  be  heirs  of  salivation      —  Heb.  i.  14. 

ALTHOUGH  the  angels  are  beings  far  superior  to  us  in 
nature  and  capacity^  and  have  constant  employment  in 
the  upper  world,  still  it  is  evident,  that,  in  obedience  to  their 
Maker's  command,  they  visit  our  lower  world  on  messages  of 
m^^'rcy  to  us.  Observe, 

1st.  That  though  the  angels  are  spirits,  and  not  bodies,  they 
'  "  ndnistering  sjjiints,^^  whose  office  it  is  to  attend  upon  others, 
.ley  attend  upon  God's  throne,  and  are  always  ready  to  obey  his 
ummands  :  Ps.  civ.  4.    God's  will  is  their  law. 

2d.  They  are  sent  forth^^  by  him  to  whom  they  belong,  not 
as  idle  spectators,  but  to  wait  upon  the  children  of  God;  who 
are  all  "  heirs  of  salvation : "  Rom.  viii.  17.  Angels  are  their 
servants,  "sent  forth  to  minister  for  tJiem;^^  to  instruct,  guard, 
direct,  protect,  comfort,  provide  for,  and  deliver  them.  Thou- 
sands attended  the  Lord  at  the  giving  of  the  law :  Ps.  Ixviii.  17 ; 
Heb.  ii.  2.  Two  of  them  appeared  to  Abraham  in  his  tent :  and 
the  same  two  lodged  with  Lot  ;  warned  him  of  his  danger,  pro- 
tected and  delivered  him:  Gen.  xviii.  and  xix.  One  supported 
Elijah  in  the  wilderness  of  Judah :  1  Kings  xix.  4-8.  An  angel 
in  one  night  cut  off  185,000  of  Senacherib's  army,  and  delivered 
Jerusalem  from  his  cruel  rage :  Isa.  xxxvii.  36.  Angels  fre- 
quently conversed  with  Daniel,  Zechariah,  and  the  Apostle  John. 
An  angel  warned  Joseph  and  Mary  to  flee,  and  return,  with 
the  infant  Jesus.  An  angel  liberated  Peter  from  prison :  Acts  v. 
19.  An  angel  delivered  the  apostles  at  Jerusalem;  and  some- 
times one  is  represented  as  acting  on  multitudes,  while  at 
others,  multitudes  are  represented  as  protecting  one.  We  know 
no  more  than  God  has  revealed.  But  certain  it  is,  that  a  saint 
in  tatters  is  more  highly  honored  than  a  sinner  in  robes. 

Strive  in  all  things  to  please  God,  and  then  rest  assured  that 
God  will,  with  all  things  needful,  serve  you :  Ps.  Ixxxiv.  11. 
Keep  in  the  ways  of  God,  and  you  may  always  find  comfort  in 
the  promises  of  God:  Pom.  xv.  4.  Christ  has  done  much  to 
make  all  men  his  friends,  although  he  has  many  enemies ;  and 
you  cannot  expect  it  to  go  better  with  you  than  it  did  with  hiu\. 


166 


THAT  WE  SHALL  BE  KINGS 


"And  ye  shall  be  unto  me  a  kingdom  of  priests,  and  a  holy  nation.  " 
Exod.  xix.  6. 

EE JOICE,  poor,  trembling  believer,  in  God  thy  Saviour ;  and 
listen  to  the  endearing  and  honorable  titles  which  he  has 
put  upon  his  people.  Every  one  who  is  born  of  God  is  heir  to 
a  crown ;  and  when  they  become  of  age  they  shall  wear  it :  but 
we  must  be  born  in  the  kingdom  of  grace,  before  we  can  be 
crowned  in  the  kingdom  of  glory :  John  iii.  3.  And  all  who  have 
the  kingdom  of  God  within  them,  shall  assuredly  dwell  in  the 
kingdom  of  God :  John  x.  28.  Although  it  is  possible,  that  they 
may  be  so  poor  and  disguised  as  to  have  to  beg  their  way  through 
this  world,  it  will  be  manifest  in  the  other  world,  they  were  "unto 
God  a  kingdom  of  priests.^^  The  kingdom  of  the  saints  may  truly 
be  said  to  be  a  "kingdom  of  priests,''  inasmuch  as  every  one  is 
engaged  in  offering  sacrifices  to  God ;  and  he  is  so  well  pleased 
with  them  on  his  Son's  account,  that  every  sacrifice  they  offer 
through  him,  is  accepted  of  him :  Heb.  xiii.  5. 

The  saints,  while  here,  are  like  a  few  struggling  outcasts ;  but 
unto  God  they  are  "a  kingdom;  "  and  when  all  shall  be  brought 
home,  they  will  appear  a  very  large  kingdom :  Eev.  vii.  9,  10. 
In  this  rough,  uneven  world,  the  child  of  God  may  stumble,  yea, 
fall,  and  wound  his  soul,  bruise  his  spirit,  and  cause  dejection  of 
mind.  Satan  may  sadly  daub  him,  and  then  endeavor  to  per- 
suade him,  that  he  is  in  such  a  filthy  condition,  that  his  Father 
doth  not  know  him,  and  will  never  again  own  him.  This  is  a 
deplorable  condition,  and  should  be  carefully  guarded  against ; 
but  let  it  be  remembered,  that  the  Lord  will  never  wholly  cast 
off  his  people,  nor  forsake  his  inheritance :  Ps.  xciv.  14.  But 
notwithstanding  the  faults,  failings,  and  imperfections  of  the 
saints,  in  a  comparative  sense,  they  are  a  ''holy  nation for, 
though  they  have  much  of  their  natural  corruption  hanging 
about  them,  they  are  God's  peculiar  people :  Titus  ii.  14 ;  "a 
chosen  generation ;  a  royal  priesthood : "  1  Pet.  ii.  9 ;  and,  through 
Christ,  they  are  all  made  "  kings  and  priests  unto  God : "  Eev. 
i.  6.  We  are  not  righteous  in  and  of  ourselves ;  but  Christ  of 
God  is  made  unto  us  righteousness  :  1  Cor.  i.  30.  Wicked  world- 
lings and  formal  professors  despise  those  wost  whoi^i  God  loves 
best-. 


AND  PKIESTS  UNTO  GOD. 


167 


"And  hath  made  us  kings  and  priests  unto  God  and  his  Father/*  —  Rev. 
i.  6. 

EVEEY  sinner  who  loves  Christ,  believes  the  love  of  Christ 
to  sinners.    Christ  purifies  ns  by  his  blood :  1  John  i.  7 ; 
and  dignifies  us  by  his  power.    He  hath, 

1st.  "  Made  us  kings  to  rule  over  sin,  the  world,  Satan,  and 
death.  All  real  believers  are  kings,  made  such  by  the  King  of 
kings;  but  not  earthly  nionarchs.  They  reign,  in  a  spiritual 
sense,  over  all  their  unruly  passions  and  appetites,  lusts  and  cor- 
ruptions ;  and  even  the  king  of  terrors  is  no  longer  a  terror  to 
them ;  in  consequence  of  their  knowing  that  his  sting  is  extracted 
and  victory  sure :  1  Cor.'  xv.  55-57.  An  earthly  monarch  may 
have  many  rebellious,  treacherous  subjects,  who  envy,  and  would 
dethrone  him ;  notwithstanding  he  may  keep  his  throne  ]  so  do 
you  over  all  rebel  lusts  and  traitorous  dispositions ;  for  you  reign 
by  Christ's  power,  who  is  King  over  you  :  Eev.  xix.  10.  Christ 
hates  all  sin,  but  loves  all  sinners. 

2d.  "Priests  imto  Ood^  Under  the  law,  the  priests  offered 
gifts  and  sacrifices  according  to  the  law ;  under  the  gospel,  Ave 
are  a  holy  priesthood,  to  offer  up  spiritual  sacrifices,  acceptable 
to  Crod,  by  Jesus  Christ :  1  Pet.  ii.  5.  The  saints  are  priests  who 
consecrate  their  bodies  unto  God :  Eom.  xii.  1 ;  and  are  contin- 
ually offering  up  sacrifices  of  prayer,  praise,  supplication,  and 
thanksgiving  ''unto  God;^^  all  of  which  God  is  well  pleased  to 
accept  through  his  beloved  Son :  John  xiv.  6.  Christ  has  taught 
all  men  to  honor  the  Son,  even  as  they  honor  the  Father :  John 
v.  23;  and  here,  the  same  honor,  glory,  dominion,  and  power  is 
ascribed  to  Jesus  Christ,  as  to  God.  Our  bodies  and  souls,  time 
and  talents,  prayers  and  praises,  must  be  all  offered  up  "unto 
God;'^  for  as  Christ,  our  high-priest,  has  offered  up  himself  unto 
God  for  us,  so  we  must  offer  ourselves  to  God  6y  him. 

Live  up  to  your  privilege  as  a  king,  and  never  become  a  slave ; 
and,  as  a  priest,  let  all  your  sacrifices  be  offered  unto  God,  whose 
priest  you  are.  Never  sacrifice  to  heathen  idols  ;  but  when  lusts 
present,  and  Satan  tempts,  remember,  Christ  hath  made  you  a 
king  to  reign  over  them,  and  a  priest  to  sacrifice  them.  Xever 
offer  a  sacrifice  to  the  woiid^  the  fleshy  or  the  devil, 


168 


OF  PEACE  OF  CONSCIENCE. 


"  The  work  of  the  righteous  shall  be  peace ;  and  the  effect  of  righteousness^ 
quietness  and  assurance  forever. ' '  —  Isa.  xxxii.  17. 

Qj  ALVATION  is  all  of  free-grace,  and  free-gift  by  Jesus  Christ. 


Our  life  of  faith,  of  hope,  of  love,  of  holiness,  centres  in, 
and  is  from  Jesus.  Observe, 

1st.  "The  work  of  righteousness  shall  he  peace even  in  the 
doing  of  our  duty  we  shall  always  find  an  abundance  of  true 
pleasure ;  a  present  reward  of  obedience  in  the  very  act  of  obedi- 
ence :  Ps.  xix.  11.  As  the  law  of  Christ  brings  in  a  law  to  govern 
us,  so  the  gospel  of  Christ  brings  a  righteousness  to  save  us ;  and 
these  two,  by  the  Spirit,  being  made  to  dwell  together,  they 
remain  as  an  everlasting  righteousness.  It  is  true,  the  work  of 
righteousness  may  be  sometimes  hard  and  costly,  and  may  expose 
us  to  much  persecution  and  contempt,  yet,  it  is  peace ;  yea,  and 
such  peace  too,  as  makes  us  ample  amends  :  Ps.  cxix.  165.  True 
holiness  produces  real  happiness. 

2d.  "  Tlie  effect  of  righteousness  shall  be  quietness  and  assur- 
ancey  The  effect  of  sin,  is  uneasiness  and  death.  And  as  sin 
invariably  produces  wretchedness :  Isa.  Ivii.  21,  22 ;  so  holiness 
or  righteousness  produces  quietness  within  and  without.  The 
effect  of  righteousness  must  be  happiness ;  and  the  one  being 
perfect,  must  make  the  other  complete.  The  righteous  are  said 
to  be  bold  as  lions ;  while  the  wicked  are  frightened  at  their  own 
shadow :  Prov.  xxviii.  1.  If  you  are  careful  to  obey  God,  you 
are  sure  to  be  happy  in  God ;  and  of  this,  all  who  do  the  work 
of  righteousness,  have  an  assurance  forever^  While  you  live 
right,  nothing  goes  wrong:  Koni.  viii.  28.  A  soul  at  peace  with 
God  cannot  be  greatly  disturbed  by  the  world ;  for  it  has  all  its 
pleasures  in  God,  and  all  its  blessings  from  God :  Kom.  viii.  1. 

While  you  have  peace  within,  all  must  be  well  without.  Peace 
here,  brings  an  assurance  of  peace  hereafter.  Keep  the  Saviour 
in  your  eye,  retain  him  in  your  heart;  and  as  he  is  your  first 
hope,  so  let  him  be  your  last  stay.  Never  take  your  eye  of  faith 
off  Christ's  righteousness;  it  was  his  holy  life  and  bitter  death, 
procured  a  righteousness  for  you,  in  which  you  may  stand  with 
assurance  before  a  holy  God.  Keep  up  a  constant  war  with  sin^ 
wd  that  will  secure  peace  of  conscieiice. 


OF  PEACE  OP  CONSCIENCE. 


169 


"  Thy  faith  hath  saved  thee,  go  in  peace.  "  —  Luke  vii.  50. 

CONSCIENCE  is  the  secret  testimony  of  the  soul,  whereby  it 
approves  that  which  is  good,  and  condemns  that  which  is 
evil.  A  good  conscience  is  purified  by  the  blood  of  Christ :  1 
Tim.  i.  5.  An  evil  conscience  is  loaded  with  guilt :  Heb.  x.  22. 
A  hardened  or  seared  conscience  is  one  that  feels  not  the  evils  of 
sin :  1  Tim.  iv.  2.  Conscience  has  a  rule  of  action ;  it  compares 
action  with  that  rule  ;  and  draws  inferences  from  the  comparison ; 
it  gives  its  approbation  to  what  it  thinks  good,  and  rex^roaches 
itself  with  what  it  considers  evil.  Whoever  applies  to  Christ,  in 
his  appointed  way,  is  sure  to  be  saved  by  him:  Heb.  vii.  25. 
Every  humble,  believing  applicant,  no  matter  how  vile,  is  sure  to 
meet  with  a  generous  dismissal.  Our  love  to  God  should  always 
be  in  proportion  to  the  love  we  receive  from  Him.  If  you  love 
God,  that  is  a  proof  He  loves  you :  1  John  iv.  19 ;  and  though, 
the  enemy  of  your  soul  would  lead  you  into  clouds  and  dark- 
ness at  the  remembrance  of  your  past  sins,  the  Saviour  declares, 
"  thy  faith  hath  saved  theeJ^  It  should,  therefore,  give  you  no 
concern  who  condemns  you,  so  long  as  Christ  acquits  you: 
John  viii.  10,  11 ;  for  surely  you  cannot  doubt  his  word,  when  he 
commands  you  to  go  in  peace. What  more  can  you  desire  to 
make  your  soul  happy  ?  Here  is  pardon,  safety,  faith,  and  peace ; 
and  all  for  taking  Christ  at  his  word.  Pardon  is  the  ground  of 
your  safety :  Isa.  xl.  1,  2.  Eaith  is  the  foundation  of  your  peace  : 
Rom.  V.  1.  Peace  is  the  fruit  of  your  faith ;  and  salvation  the 
issue  of  your  pardon.  What  if  your  sins  were  great,  Christ's 
pardoning  grace  was  greater ;  and,  therefore,  your  joy  and  peace 
should  be  great :  Luke  vii.  47.  All  the  uneasiness  you  have  felt 
on  account  of  sinning  against  God,  and  all  the  love  you  have  felt, 
and  still  feel,  to  the  Saviour,  are  the  productions  of  faith ;  and 
you  cannot  honor  God  more,  in  any  way,  than  by  believing  on  his 
Son :  John  iii.  16-18.  And  though  thou  hast  little  faith,  now 
says,  "Thy  faith  hath  saved  thee,  go  in  peace.'^  To  have  a 
peaceful  conscience,  three  things  are  necessary ;  Eirst,  a  good 
rule  of  conduct ;  secondly,  an  impartial  comparison  of  our  con 
duct  with  that  rule ;  thirdly,  a  conviction  we  have  conformed 
to  it. 


170 


OF  COMFORT. 


"  The  Lord  hath  comforted  his  people,  and  will  have  mercy  upon  his  af" 
flicted. ' '  —  Isa.  xlix.  13. 

"DLESSED  be  God  for  Jesus  Christ;  tlie  perfectly  finished 


and  everlastingly  glorious  work  of  Christ's  redemption ! 
However  the  faithful  followers  of  God  may  be  despised  by  the 
world,  they  are  the  greatest  blessings  to,  and  ornaments  of  the 
world  :  Matt.  v.  13,  14.  Observe, 

1st.  "  The  Lord  liatli,^^  in  every  age  of  the  world,  comforted 
his  people  and  though  many  have  thought  in  the  time  of  their 
distresses,  that  God  had  assuredly  forgotten  them,  he  always 
made  it  appear,  that  such  was  not  the  case  :  ver.  14,  15.  Is  sin 
your  trouble  ?  Do  you  want  deliverance  ?  Is  your  soul  troubled 
for  want  of  peace  ?  Are  you  distressed  through  manifold  trials 
and  temptations  ?  Is  the  sun  of  comfort  set  ?  Do  the  moon  and 
stars  withhold  their  light  ?  Be  not  faithless,  but  believing ; 
away  with  your  doubts  and  distrust !  indulge  those  enemies  to  all 
comfort  no  longer ;  for  "  the  Lord  hath  comforted  his  people,'' 
and  will  do  it  again :  Ps.  xxxvi.  8,  9.  Give  your  fears  to  the 
winds,  for  God's  regard  is  as  tender  for  you  now,  as  it  ever  was. 
Talk  no  more  about  your  short-comings,  and  wanderings  from 
him ;  for  he  has  not  hitherto  rewarded  you  according  to  your  de- 
servings  :  Titus  iii.  5 ;  neither  will  he  now.  For, 

2d.  "He  IV  ill  have  mercy  upon  his  afflicted  J'  He  may  for  a  mo- 
ment have  veiled  himself  with  a  cloud ;  but  with  everlasting 
kindness  will  he  have  mercy  on  thee  :  Isa.  liv.  8.  Your  being 
afflicted  is  a  sufficient  reason  why  you  should  trust  in  him  ;  fcL 
he  will  restore  comfort :  Isa.  Ivii.  18.  Your  suspicions  are  a!" 
groundless ;  He  will  have  mercy  upon  his  afflicted,''  and  you 
are  one  of  those ;  therefore,  let  all  your  sighs  and  groans  burst 
forth  into  songs  of  praise  :  Isa.  xii.  1.  Nature  may  change  but 
God,  in  whom  you  trust,  can  know  no  change :  Heb.  i.  10-12. 
Indulge  your  fears  no  longer ;  reason  not  with  corrupt  nature ; 
nor  with  blind  unbelief ;  "  the  Lord  has  comforted  you  ;  "  and  he 
is  not  grown  weary  of  hearing  your  complaints  ;  but  will  comfort 
you  now.  "  He  will  have  mercy  upon  his  afflicted ; "  and  turn 
your  mourning  into  joy:  Jer.  xxxi.  11,  12.  Why  should  you 
walk  in  darkness  ? 


OV  COMFORT. 


171 


"  Who  comforteth  us  in  all  our  tribulation,  that  we  nnay  be  able  to  comfort 
them  which  are  in  any  trouble  by  the  comfort  wherewith  we  ourselves  are  com- 
forted of  God.  "  —  2  Cor.  i.  4. 

MEECY  dwells  in  God,  and  we  obtain  mercy  from  God ;  for 
though  he  is  just,  he  delights  in  mercy:  Micah  vii.  18; 
hence,  he  is  called  the    Father  of  mercies.''  Consider, 

1st.  The  benefits  we  receive  from  God;  Who  comforteth  us  in 
all  our  tribulation^'  We  have  no  real  comfort  but  what  comes 
from  God;  and  all  our  best  comforts  are  in  God:  James  i.  17. 
It  must  be  acknowledged,  that  in  the  world  we  have  tribulation ; 
but  it  is  equally  true,  that  in  Jesus  we  have  peace  :  John  xvi.  33. 
And  though  our  sufferings  abound,  our  consolations  also  abound : 
2  Cor.  i.  5.  We  are  never  left  to  struggle  through  our  troubles 
alone;  for  we  have  a  ^^God  of  all  comfort''  nigh  at  hand;  who 
comforteth  us  in  all  our  tribulation."  He  does  not  comfort  us  in  - 
one  alone,  and  then  leave  us  comfortless  in  the  others ;  but  com- 
forteth us  in  them  all :  J ohn  xiv.  18.  We  have  only  to  live  to, 
and  trust  in  God,  and  then  we  may  depend  upon  having  comfort 
from  God :  Ps.  xxxiii.  21.  None  can  feel  the  distresses  of  others, 
so  much  as  those  that  have  experienced  distress  themselves. 

2d.  God's  intent  in  comforting  us :  "  that  ive  may  be  able  to 
comfort  them  ivhich  are  in  any  trouble  ;  "  by  telling  them  of  the 
mercy  and  goodness  of  God,  as  experienced  by  us,  in  our  tribu- 
lations, pressures,  and  afflictions :  Ps.  Ixvi.  16.  So  that  it  is 
evident,  whenever  we  receive  good,  God  designs  that  we  should 
do  good  with  the  good  received ;  and  encourage  others  to  hope  in 
him,  "  by  the  comfort  whereivith  ive  ourselves  are  comforted, IsonQ 
are  so  fit  to  comfort  a  suffering  saint,  as  those  who  have  been 
comforted  themselves  "o/  God:^^  Heb.  vi.  18,  19. 

Learn,  1st.  Never  to  live  upon,  nor  measure  God's  love  to  you, 
by  your  poor,  changeable  frames  and  feelings.  But  2d.  Look  to, 
live  upon,  and  glory  in  Christ ;  for  God  so  views  and  loves  you. 
3d.  Strive  to  become  more  like  God ;  possess  the  mind  of  Christ ; 
live  by  faith  upon  him  ;  and  take  comfort  in  him.  Always  bless 
God  for  a  comfortable  frame  and  lively  feelings. 


172 


OF  HOPE. 


"  The  Lord  will  be  the  hope  of  his  people."  —  Joel  iii.  16. 
THOU  of  little  faith,  wherefore  didst  thou  doubt  ?  Matt. 


xiv.  31.  Why  not  exercise  the  little  faith  you  have  ? 
Your  doubts  arise  from  your  unbelief.  You  can  easily  believe 
that  the  Lord  is  displeased  at  your  sins ;  and  what  is  sin,  but 
disobeying  his  commands  ?  Have  you  never  considered  it  a  great 
sin  not  to  believe  when  he  commands  ?  But  your  excuse  is,  I 
am  so  weak  in  myself."  Who  is  not?  Even  the  great,  the  in- 
spired, apostle  acknowledges  himself  to  be  weak:  2  Cor.  xi.  29. 
The  church  of  God  is  made  up  of  believers,  and  they  are  cabled 
the  family  of  God :  Eph.  iii.  15 ;  and  as  such,  of  course,  are  his 
people;''  they  being  in  covenant  and  communion  with  him: 
2  Tim.  i.  9.  It  is  nothing  new  for  the  Lord  to  be  the  hope  of 
his  people  for  he  always  was  both  the  Founder  and  the  Founda- 
tion of  their  hope.  You  may  have  a  rough  voyage  through  life, 
but  you  have  nothing  to  fear  while  you  keep  Unbelief  below. 
Faith  on  deck,  and  Christ  at  the  helm  of  your  little  bark :  Isa. 
xli.  10.  The  Lord  will  be  your  Harbor ;  and  you  Avill  never  have 
a  night  so  dark  but  you  may  with  safety  run  into  him:  and 
there  you  can  securely  lie  till  the  storm  is  past :  Prov.  xviii.  10. 
Complain  no  longer  of  your  weakness,  seeing  the  Lord  is  your 
strength :  Ps.  cxliv.  1,  2.  Do  not  so  much  as  name  your  unwor- 
thiness  ;  for  the  Lord  is  your  righteousness  :  Jer.  xxiiic  6.  And 
as  for  your  enemies  and  dangers,  they  can  never  harm  you ; 
for  God  is  your  refuge :  Ps.  xlvi.  1.  It  is  worse  than  useless  to 
complain  and  reason  with  unbelief ;  for  it  matters  not  what  you 
may  be  called  to  pass  through  nor  have  to  contend  with ;  the 
Lord  will  be  the  hope  of  his  people.'^  Let  not  the  greatness  of 
the  storm  intimidate  you ;  but  rest  assured,  that  a  soul  fraught 
with  grace  and  bound  for  heaven,  can  never  become  a  wreck: 
J ohn  X.  28.  You  may,  and  will,  have  your  fears  of  sinking,  as  is  * 
very  natural  for  one  on  their  first  voyage  ;  but  then,  they  are  all 
groundless ;  for  you  will  ultimately  be  brought  safe  into  Port, 
and  put  on  shore  on  the  Banks  of  Deliverance.  Take  courage, 
hope  in  the  Lord,  and  he  will  keep  you.  While  you  look  at  the 
roughness  of  the  sea,  remember  who  is  at  the  helm.  You  are 
homeward-bound,  and  will  soon  be  ashore. 


OF  HOPE. 


173 


"  Which  hope  we  have  as  an  anchor  of  the  soul,  both  sure  and  steadfast,  " 
^Heb.  vi.  19. 

CHEISTIAIST-HOPE  is  a  confident  persuasion  of  obtaining 
those  good  things  which  God  has  promised,  both  for  time 
and  eternity ;  founded  on  his  unchangeable  truth,  the  merits  and 
grace  of  Christ,  and  the  earnest  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  This  hope  is 
easily  distinguished  from  all  worldly  hopes,  1st.  By  the  excel- 
lency of  its  object :  Col.  i.  27.  2d.  By  the  stability  of  its  foun- 
dation :  2  Tim.  i.  12.  And,  3d.  By  its  cleansing  nature  :  1  John 
iii.  3. 

Every  one  who  is  born  of  G  od  is  bound  for  Heaven ;  and,  like 
a  ship  on  the  sea,  must  expect  to  meet  with  storms  and  tossings, 
both  up  and  down;  and  be  in  constant  danger.  Our  souls  are 
vessels  built  by  God,  and  are  designed  to  go  but  one  voyage 
across  the  sea  of  life ;  and  it  should,  therefore,  be  our  chief  con- 
cern to  make  that  a  protitable  one :  Pro  v.  xiv.  32.  The  graces, 
comforts,  happiness,  and  expectations  of  our  souls,  are  the  invalu- 
able cargo  with  which  those  vessels  are  laden;  Heaven  is  the 
port  we  are  sailing  to ;  afflictions,  temptations,  persecutions,  fears 
and  distresses,  may  fitly  be  compared  to  the  stormy  winds  and 
waves,  because  of  their  violence,  and  so  often  threatening  to  make 
us  a  wreck :  Ps.  Ixix.  1,  2.  But  it  should  ever  be  remembered, 
that  we  are  not  sent  to  sea  without  "  an  anchor  for  the  hope  of 
the  gospel  is  the  believer's  anchor :  and  "  which  hope  ive  have  as 
an  anchor  of  the  souV  What  a  blessed  hope  is  ours  !  it  serves  as 
an  anchor  at  sea,  and  a  helmet  in  battle :  1  Thess.  v.  8.  It  is  an 
anchor  that  might  safely  be  relied  upon,  as  being  sufficiently 
strong  to  hold  our  vessel  in  the  heaviest  of  gales  and  storms :  for 
it  is  "  sure  and  steadfast. It  is  not  like  the  hypocrite's  anchor, 
made  of  sand ;  but  is  strong  and  substantially  made  of  good-hope- 
through-grace.  Our  anchorage  is  also  good;  for  our  anchor  has 
taken  fast  hold  in  the  Eock,  Christ,  and  therefore  must  be  stead- 
fast. Let  the  winds  roar,  and  the  howling  tempest  drive  through 
your  masts  and  rigging,  you  will  outride  the  storm.  Fear  not ! 
hope  is  your  Anchor  —  Christ  is  your  Anchor-hold  —  Jesus  is 
your  Pilot  —  your  vessel  and  cargo  are  fully  insured  —  and  your 
Sailing-Master  has  engaged  to  conduct  you  safely  into  port. 


174 


OF  DELIGHT  AND  JOY  IN  GOD. 


"  Then  shaft  thou  have  thy  delight  in  the  Almighty,  and  shalt  lift  up  thy 
face  unto  God" — Job  xxii.  26. 

EELIGION,  in  every  situation,  will  make  men  comfortable ; 
but  the  want  of  it  is  sure  to  make  them  miserable.  The 
worldling  delights  in  its  vanities,  and  the  miser  in  his  wealth ; 
but  the  Christian  delights  in  his  God:  Ps.  xl.  8.  The  only  way 
to  become  truly  rich,  is  to  become  truly  poor :  Matt.  v.  3.  And 
if  you  would  obtain  your  heart's  desire,  make  God  your  heart's 
delight :  Ps.  xxxvii.  4.  Endeavor  to  cultivate  a  more  intimate 
acquaintance  with  God ;  for  it  is,  not  only  your  duty,  but  your 
interest,  to  join  yourself  to  him  in  a  covenant  of  friendship :  Job 
xxii.  21.  Keep  up  a  constant  correspondence  with  him  in  the 
way  he  has  appointed:  ''then  shalt  thou  have  thy  delight  in  the 
Almighty.^'  You  shall,  not  only  have  your  "  delight  in  "  him,  but 
also,  your  delight  /rom  him ;  if  you  do  but  trust  in  him :  Ps. 
xxxiii.  21.  Only  live  right  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  you  will  not 
have  cause  to  hang  down  your  head  with  shame,  like  a  criminal ; 
but  thou  ''  shalt  lift  up  thy  face  toward  God^^^  and  fear  no  evil. 
Why  are  you  cast  down  ?  Do  men  frown,  and  turn  their  backs 
upon  you  ?  Let  not  that  trouble  you ;  be  not  afraid,  "  lift  up  thy 
face  toward  God ; "  no  longer  hold  down  your  head  as  though  you 
were  ashamed  to  look  up ;  but  look  cheerfully,  and  approach  him 
boldly,  in  and  through  his  Son ;  and  turn  your  face  toward  him, 
as  though  you  had  confidence  in  him :  Ps.  Ixviii.  3 ;  Heb.  x.  19. 
The  oftener  you  look  the  Almighty  in  the  face,  the  better  you 
will  become  acquainted  with  him ;  the  more  confidence,  delight 
and  joy,  you  will  have  in  him ;  and  the  more  welcome  you  will 
be  to  lift  up  your  face  unto  him,  and  pour  out  your  heart  before 
him :  John  xvi.  22. 

Let  faith  lead  you  to  God,  through  Christ;  leave  all  your 
works  behind  you ;  rely  on  his  gracious  promises,  plead  his  rich 
mercy  in  Christ  to  poor  sinners,  and  thus  beseech  him  to  be  pro- 
pitious unto  you.  Plead  the  full  atonement  and  righteousness  of 
Jesus  ;  "  lift  up  your  face"  to  the  Almighty ;  live  near  to  God  in 
love  ;  walk  before  him  in  holiness  ;  and  feast  upon  his  goodness. 
You  will  have  sufficient  in  the  world  to  make  you  sorrowful ;  and 
plenty  in  God  to  make  you  joyful. 


OV  DELIGHT  AND  JOY  IN  GOD. 


175 


*'l  will  see  you  again,  and  your  heart  shall  rejoice,  and  your  joy  no  man 
taketh  from  you."  —  John  xvi.  22. 

OTHIKG  can  make  a  believer  in  Jesus  so  joyful  as  a  sense 
of  his  presence  ;  and  nothing  can  make  him  so  sorrowful 
as  his  absence ;  if  he  hide  his  face  but  a  little  while,  it  causes 
great  sorrow ;  although  their  tears  are  not  lost,  nor  their  sighs 
forgotten :  Ps.  xxx.  5,  11.  The  Saviour  urged  his  way  through 
his  own  sufferings,  and  bore  our  griefs,  for  the  joy  that  was  set 
before  him ;  and  would  have  all  his  followers  encourage  them- 
selves with  the  same  prospect.  Observe, 

1st.  The  cause  of  a  believer's  joy  j  I  will  see  you  againJ^ 
What  soothing,  comforting,  heart-healing  words !  "  Let  not 
your  heart  be  troubled,'^  poor,  trembling,  disconsolate  believer ; 
you  may  appear  very  mean  in  the  world's  eye,  but  you  are  very 
precious  in  Christ's  eye.  He  bore  your  sorrows,  that  you  might' 
have  his  joy.  And  though  he  may  have  withdrawn  himself,  it 
is  only  for  a  small  moment ;  think  not  that  he  is  gone  forever  ; 
but  comfort  your  heart  with  his  gracious  promise :  Isa.  liv.  7. 
He  knows  you  cannot  live  without  him ;  and  that  his  presence 
alone  can  disperse  your  gloom,  and  turn  your  sorrow  into  joy. 
Hence,  he  addresses  you  as  a  kind  parent  would  a  weeping,  cling- 
ing child,    /  will  see  you  againJ^ 

2d.  The  cordialness  of  it ;  Your  heart  shall  rejoice,^'  He 
will  shortly  see  you  again ;  and  make  you  such  a  kind  and 
friendly  visit,  and  minister  so  much  comfort  to  you,  that  your 
heart  shall  rejoice  "  within  you  :  Ps.  xxxiii.  21.  Joy  in  the  heart 
is  real,  substantial  joy;  it  is  sweet;  it  is  sure;  it  is  not  easily 
broken  in  upon  ;  and  is  such  as  a  stranger  intermeddles  not  with. 
Christ  will  soon  return ;  and  then  you  will  rejoice  heartily,  sin- 
cerely, and  greatly  :  John  xv.  11.  To  be  acquainted  with  Christ, 
you  must  be  acquainted  with  grief ;  but  what  of  all  that  ?  your 
sorrow  is  of  short  duration;  but  your  joy  will  know  no  end: 
Isa.  li.  11. 

3d.  The  continuance  of  it ;  "  Your  joy  no  man  taketh  from 
you.^'  No  man  can  separate  you  from  the  love  of  Christ ;  and, 
therefore,  no  man  can  take  away  your  joy.  It  is  true,  men  may 
be  permitted  to  bind  and  banish,  yea,  even  torture  and  kill  you ; 
but  that  could  not  take  away  your  joy ;  but  would  let  you  into  it. 


176 


OF  SUPPORT  IK  DEATH. 


"  The  righteous  hath  hope  in  his  death.''  —  Prov.  xiv.  32. 

OLOMOIST  here  speaks  of  those  who  are  righteous  in  a  gospel 


sense,  and  many  such  are  to  be  found.  Let  us, 
First.  Attend  to  the  character  of  those  who  have  hope 
in  their  death :  —  the  righteous.^^  1st.  In  an  unrenewed  state, 
"  there  is  none  righteous,  no,  not  one  : "  Eom.  iii.  10.  None  are 
legally  righteous ;  none  such  can  be  found  upon  earth.  2d.  All 
men  are  conceived  and  born  in  sin,  and  so  are  sinners  by  nature : 
Ps.  li.  5.  And  as  to  practice,  "  there  is  not  a  just,"  or  righteous, 
"  man  upon  earth,"  in  a  legal  sense  :  Eccl.  vii.  20.  3d.  Yet  every 
true  believer  in  Jesus  is  righteous,  according  to  the  covenant  of 
grace.  God  hath  made  Christ,  who  knew  no  sin,  a  sin-offering 
for  us,  that  we  might  be  made  the  righteousness  of  God  in  him : 
2  Cor.  V.  21.  Every  believer  in  Christ  is  in  him,  and  has  his 
righteousness  imputed  to  him :  1  Cor.  i.  30 ;  Eom.  iv.  5-10. 
4th.  Believers  in  Christ  have  a  righteousness  imparted.  They 
are  renewed  by  the  Holy  Ghost :  Titus  iii.  5 ;  and  made  partakers 
of  the  divine  nature  :  2  Pet.  i.  4.  They  are  no  longer  under  the 
dominion  of  sin :  Eom.  vi.  14 ;  being  created  anew  in  Christ 
Jesus  unto  good  works :  Eph.  ii.  10.  These  are  the  righteous 
who  have  hope  in  their  death. 

Secondly.  Show  what  things  they  hope  for  in  their  dying 
moments.  1st.  They  hope  for  the  gracious  presence  of  God,  to 
support  and  protect  them,  while  passing  through  the  valley  :  Ps. 
xxiii.  4.  Their  hope  of  this  important  blessing  is  founded  on 
such  promises  as  these :  "  Lo,  I  am  with  you  always,  even  unto 
the  end  of  the  world :  Matt,  xxviii.  20.  "  This  God  is  our  God 
forever  and  ever ;  he  will  be  our  guide  even  unto  death :  Ps. 
xlviii.  14.  "  I  will  never  leave  thee,  nor  forsake  thee : "  Heb. 
xiii.  5.  "  My  flesh  and  my  heart  f aileth ;  but  God  is  the  strength 
of  my  heart,  and  my  portion  forever  :  "  Ps.  Ixxiii.  26.  2d.  They 
hope  to  be  in  happiness  immediately  after  death :  Ps.  Ixxiii.  24 ; 
to  dwell  in  the  presence  of  God :  Ps.  xvi.  11 ;  and  of  Christ : 
John  xiv.  3.  And  thus  being  absent  from  the  body,  they  hope 
to  be  present  with  the  Lord :  2  Cor.  v.  8 ;  and  with  the  "  spirits 
of  just  men  made  perfect :  Heb.  xii.  23.  3d.  They  hope  for 
the  resurrection  of  their  bodies,  &c. 


OF  SUPPOET  IN  DEATH. 


177 


"  I  know  whom  I  have  believed,  and  am  persuaded  that  he  is  able  to  keep 
that  which  I  have  committed  unto  him  till  that  day."  —  2  Tim.  i.  12. 

ATUEALLY,  the  fear  of  death,  is  unavoidable,  and,  in  itself, 
is  not  sinful.  By  infidelity,  and  vain  reasonings,  some  have 
been  able  to  preserve  a  kind  of  composure  and  firmness  of  mind, 
even  to  the  last  moment ;  notwithstanding,  it  was  but  their  igno- 
rance that  kept  them  easy ;  like  opiates,  which  could  not  support 
them :  Ps.  Ixxiii.  4,  5.  They  have  no  hope  in  their  death.  Be- 
lieving does  not  exempt  a  man  from  dying ;  but  though  it  cannot 
free  him  from  the  arms  of  death,  it  frees  him  from  the  sting  of 
death;  and  supports  him  through  death.  And  the  believer  is 
enabled  to  say,  with  a  holy  assurance,  "  I  knoiv  luhom  I  have  be- 
UevecL^^  I  am  not  deceived  in  this  important  matter ;  no ;  I  doubt 
it  no  more  than  my  existence  ;  "  /  know that  I  am  standing  on  a 
firm  foundation ;  I  have  intrusted  my  soul's  salvation  to  the  care 
of  him  who  purchased  it  for  me;  ''and  am  persitaded,^^  fully  so, 
''that  he  is  able/^  je^,  and  willing  too,  to  "keep  that,^^  and  all 
things  else,  "  which  I  have  committed  unto  him :    J ohn  x.  28,  29. 

There  can  be  no  doubt  about  those  being  well  kept  whom  Christ 
has  the  keeping  of ;  and  therefore,  having  committed  the  keeping 
of  your  soul  to  him,  you  may  make  yourself  perfectly  easy  about 
it :  Isa.  xlv.  17.  He  will  take  good  care  of  it,  and  preserve  it, 
"against  that  day :  "  Eom.  viii.  38,  39.  In  "that  day,^^  the  day  of 
your  death,  you  will  be  comforted,  and  supported,  by  that  God 
whom  you  served  in  your  life  ;  and  as  you  have  always  found  his 
grace  sufficient  while  living,  you  may  depend  upon  finding  it 
sufficient  when  dying :  2  Cor.  xii.  9.  And,  be  assured  of  it,  it  is 
as  easy  for  a  Christian  to  die  as  to  live ;  for,  living  or  dying,  he 
always  finds  "grace  sufficient but  none  to  spare.  He  will  keep 
it  unto  that  day  when  soul  and  body  shall  be  again  reunited; 
and  having  been  kept  by  the  power  of  God,  1  Pet.  i.  4,  5,  it  will 
be  admitted  into  the  presence  and  enjoyment  of  God.  Xow,  you 
may  have  many  natural  ties  which  bind  you  to  the  earth,  and 
make  the  thought  of  parting  unpleasant ;  but  in  death,  you  will 
have  dying-grace ;  and  your  views  and  feelings  may  be  altogether 
different.    Live  right,  and  you  must  die  well. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


PROMISES  OF  BLESSINGS  IN  THE  OTHER  WORLD. 

OF  DELIVERANCE  FROM  DEATH  AND  THE  GRAVE. 

"/  will  redeem  them  from  death  :  0  death,  I  will  be  thy  plagues ;  0  grave, 
I  will  be  thy  destruction."  —  Hos.  xiii.  14. 

GOD  made  nian^  but  sin  unmade  him;  and  brought  forth 
death ;  and  all  who  work  for  sin  have  death  for  their 
wages  :  Eom.  vi.  23.  Sin  is  the  parent  of  death ;  and  every 
father  may  be  considered  an  Adam  to  his  offspring ;  conveying 
corruption  and  death  in  his  generation.  The  man  who  dreads 
sin  will  never  have  cause  to  fear  death ;  for  the  mighty  con- 
queror shall  be  destroyed :  0  deaths  I  ivill  be  thy  plagues  J' 
Jesus  Christ  has  already  plagued  death  ;  when  he  trampled  upon 
him  in  his  own  territories ;  and  he  will  assuredly  plague  him 
again ;  for  it  is  said,  "  I  will  be  thy  Death  will  finally 

meet  with  a  death-blow.  "  The  last  enemy  that  shall  be  destroyed 
is  death : 1  Cor.  xv.  26.  You  may,  and  will,  fall  by  the  hand 
of  death,  and  be  put  in  the  prison-house  of  death ;  but  you  will 
assuredly  be  delivered ;  for  the  Lord  hath  declared,  "  I  will  re- 
deem tJiem.^'  The  price  of  your  ransom  has  already  been  paid : 
Matt  XX.  28 ;  and  your  Redeemer  has  the  keys  of  death  hanging 
to  his  girdle :  Eev.  i.  18.  Christ  having  freed  you  from  sin,  you 
shall,  on  account  of  his  righteousness,  be  freed  from  death,  which 
is  the  wages  of  sin.  The  blessed  Saviour  came  into  the  world 
to  finish  the  transgression  and  make  an  end  of  sins  :  "  Dan.  ix. 
24.  And  sin  being  ended,  which  is  the  cause  of  death,  there  will, 
of  course,  be  an  end  of  death.  The  sentence  of  destruction  is 
already  passed  upon  death  and  the  grave  ;  and  will  be  faithfully 
executed :  for,  "  there  shall  be  no  more  death,  neither  sorrow  nor 
crying;  neither  shall  there  be  any  more  pain:'^  Rev.  xxi.  4, 


OF  DELIVERANCE  FROM  DEATH  AND  THE  GRAVE.  179 


"0  death,  where  is  thy  sting?  0  grave,  where  is  thy  victory?** — 1  Cor. 
XV.  65. 

EECEIVE  the  word  of  thy  redeeming  Lord;  rejoice  in  the 
comfort  of  it ;  Christ  hath  fulfilled  it.  He  has  brought  in 
an  everlasting  righteousness,  which  he  hath  wrought  out  for  thee^ 
to  clothe  thy  naked  soul,  and  enable  thee  to  stand  before  the 
throne  of  God,  perfect  and  entire,  lacking  nothing ;  Dan.  ix.  24. 
Man  is  no  sooner  born,  than  he  is  going  to  be  buried.  Death  may 
shorten  a  believer's  time,  but  cannot  shorten  his  life.  Our  time 
shortens  as  it  lengthens ;  and  every  day  added  is  one  taken  away. 
Life  itself  is  not  worth  calling  living ;  neither  is  death,  to  a  be- 
liever, worthy  the  name  of  dying :  2  Cor.  iv.  16.  The  Captaixi  of 
our  salvation  has  not  only  conquered  death,  but  enumerated  it  in 
the  catalogue  of  our  blessings  :  1  Cor.  iii.  22.  Death  is  yours,'^  to 
deliver  you  from  all  the  evils  of  sin,  sorrow,  temptation  and  pain; 
and  yours  to  open  the  gate  that  admits  you  into  life.  What  a 
glorious  triumph  will  the  redeemed  hare,  when,  before  their 
ravished  eyes,  they  shall  see  death  and  the  grave  completely 
destroyed!  Then  will  they  exultingly  exclaim,  0  death,  where 
is  thy  sting  Why,  death,  what  has  become  of  thy  deadly 
weapon  ?  where  now  is  thy  power  to  hurt  us  ?  Why,  thou  hast 
lost  thy  weapon !  where  is  it  ?  what  has  become  of  thy  sting  ? 
we  now  defy  thy  power,  and  fear  not  thy  weapon :  Isa.  xxv.  8. 
Ah !  thou  hast  lost  thy  sting  in  the  ilesh  of  Christ ;  by  his  death 
he  hath  deprived  thee  of  it,  delivered  us,  and  will  destroy  thee ! 
And  then,  turning  round  to  the  grave,  with  a  holy  triumph,  they 
will  exclaim,  0  grave,  where  is  thy  victory  f  We  were  once  thy 
prisoners ;  but  what  has  become  of  thy  prison  doors  ?  Where 
are  all  thy  bolts,  bars,  and  shackles,  with  which  thou  didst  so 
long  hold  us  ?  0  grave  !  what  has  become  of  thy  victory  ?  where 
is  it? 

Death  and  the  grave  have  nothing  in  them,  nor  belonging  to 
them,  that  can  hurt  the  saints  of  God.  The  brightest  days  die 
into  nights,  but  rise  again  into  mornings.  A  Christian  should 
always  be  content  to  live,  and  willing  to  die.  Life  and  Death  are 
near  neighbors ;  and  we  should  be  neighborly  toward  both.  Love 
life  and  fear  not  death. 


180  OF  HAPPINESS  IMMEDIATELY  AFTER  DEATH. 

"  There  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling ;  and  there  the  weary  be  at  rest,** 
^  Job  iii.  17. 

nP\ISEASE,  at  the  hour  of  death,  may  deprive  a  true  Christian 


J—^  of  his  reason,  but  can  never  rob  him  of  his  religion;  for 
whoever  possesses  the  religion  of  Jesus,  has  that  which  will  carry 
him  well  through  life,  and  conduct  him  safely  through  death  to 
life,  beyond  death:  Isa.  Ivii.  2.  The  believer  in  Christ  looks 
upon  the  grave,  as  he  does  upon  his  bed,  the  place  where  "  The 
loeary  i^estJ^  Here  the  saints  are  on  pilgrimage ;  but  there  their 
journey  ends :  Ps.  Ixxiii.  24.  Here  the  wicked  persecute,  hate, 
envy,  and  vex  them  ;  but  "  there  the  tvicked  cease  from  troubling : 
Job  iii.  18.  Here  they  are  to  toil  and  labor,  and  are  frequently 
so  tired  and  fatigued,  that  they  scarcely  know  what  to  do  with 
their  poor  bodies,  nor  how  to  lay  them  in  order  to  have  a  little 
rest;  but,  "there  the  weary  he  at  rest^  Aching  hearts,  wearied 
limbs,  and  empty  stomachs,  will  never  be  known  there.  The  grave 
has  power  over  the  body,  to  silence,  imprison,  and  consume  it ;  Gen. 
iii.  19 ;  but  it  has  no  such  power  over  the  soul ;  for  though  death 
breaks  the  lantern,  he  cannot  put  out  the  candle :  Prov.  xx.  27. 

When  death  dissolves  the  union,  that  existed  in  life,  between 
the  soul  and  body,  the  body  very  naturally  returns  to  the  earth 
from  whence  it  was  taken ;  and  the  soul,  or  living  immortal  part 
which  came  from  God,  as  naturally  returns  to  God  whence  it 
came :  Gen.  ii.  7.  "  Then  shall  the  dust  return  to  the  earth  as  it 
was  ;  and  the  spirit  shall  return  unto  God  who  gave  it :  "  Eccl.  xii. 
7 ;  and  who  has  a  place  prepared  for  its  reception.  And  there  it 
will  remain  till  the  slumbering  bodies  are  aroused  from  their 
dusty  beds;  then  shall  body  and  soul  be  reunited,  and  be  ever 
with  the  Lord:  1  Thess.  iv.  16,  17.  The  dead,  who  die  "in  the 
Lord,"  carry  their  happiness  with  them  into  another  state ;  and, 
being  freed  from  all  sin  and  corruption,  that  happiness  becomes 
greatly  increased ;  nor  can  there  be  anything  to  mar  their  bliss, 
for  "they  rest  from  their  labors:'^  Eev.  xiv.  13.  All  who  have 
been  subjects  of  Christ's  kingdom  on  earth,  will  occupy  those 
mansions  prepared  for  them,  after  death  :  John  xiv.  2,  3.  It  may 
be  wrong  to  wish  for  death;  but  it  must  be  right  to  wish  for 
glory :  Phil.  i.  23. 


OF  HAPPINESS  IMMEDIATELY  AFTER  DEATH.  181 


"  To-day  sha/t  thou  be  with  me  in  paradise,  "  —  Luke  xxiii.  43. 

MATTHEW  informs  us,  that  both  the  thieves,  who  were  cru- 
cified with  the  blessed  Jesus,  reviled  him :  Matt,  xxvii. 
44.  But  the  grace  of  God  found  its  way  to  the  heart  of  one  of 
those  revilers  ;  and  becoming  convinced  of  his  own  deplorable 
condition,  both  by  nature  and  practice,  and  being  fully  satisfied 
that  Jesus  was  the  triie  and  promised  Messiah,  he  offered  unto 
him  this  short  prayer,  "  Lord,  remember  me  !  and  immedi- 
ately received  this  answer,  To-day  slialt  thou  be  with  me  in  par- 
adiseJ^  Wherever  Christ  went  from  the  cross,  it  is  certain,  the 
penitent  thief  went  with  him.  Paradise  signifies  garden,  and  is 
used  to  denote  happiness  ;  so  that,  it  is  evident,  the  blessed  Jesus 
and  the  believing  thief  went  direct  from  the  cross  to  a  state  of 
happiness.  And  the  Scriptures  give  us  plainly  to  understand,  that, 
that  state  was  an  intermediate  state :  that  is  to  say,  the  ^'para- 
dise Christ  spoke  of,  when  he  said,  "  To-day  shalt  thou  be  with 
me  in  paradise/^  was  not  the  state  or  place  where  he  now  is  ;  nor 
the  final  abode  of  the  redeemed.  Christ  is  riow  seated  on  ''  the 
throne  of  his  Father :  Eev.  iii.  21 ;  and,  it  is  certain,  he  did  7iot 
go  there  on  the  day  in  which  he  said  to  the  thief,  To-day  shalt 
thou  be  with  me  in  paradise ; for  three  days  afterwards,  he  de- 
clares himself,  I  am  not  yet  ascended  to  my  Father  :  John  xx. 
17.  If,  then,  Christ  went  to  paradise,  and  that  paradise,  as  is 
evident,  is  not  where  he  now  is,  it  must  be  where  the  departed 
spirits  all  go  on  leaving  the  body ;  and  where  they  will  remain 
till  the  resurrection  of  the  dead  bodies.  Peter  assures  us,  that, 
after  Christ  was  put  to  death  in  the  flesh,  he  went  and  preached 
to  the  "  spirits  in  prison ;  *'  and  tells  us  plainly  what  spirits  they 
were.  See  1  Pet.  iii.  18,  19,  20  ;  and  iv.  6.  And  admitting  that 
the  two  thieves  were  in  one  place,  (if  that  term  might  be  used,)  it 
is  no  proof  that  both  were  in  happiness.  It  was  one  being  "  with  " 
Christ  that  made  it  paradise  to  him ;  i.e.  united  to  him  by  faith 
as  the  branch  is  to  the  vine,  partaking  of  the  same  nature.  Even 
in  this  state,  two  men  may  be  in  one  house,  one  an  unbeliever  and 
the  other  a  true  believer ;  the  former  is  like  the  troubled  sea : 
Isa.  Ivii.  20,  21 ;  and  the  latter  has  great  peace :  Ps.  cxix.  165. 
We  need  no  greater  paradise  than  Christ  affords. 


182 


OF  HAPPINESS  IMMEDIATELY  AFTER  DEATH. 


"God  will  redeem  my  soul  from  the  power  of  the  grave  ;  for  he  shall  receive 
fwe."  —  Ps.  xlix.  15. 

THEY  who  follow  the  Lord  in  life,  have  no  room  to  doubt  of 
his  ^presence  in  death ;  nor  of  being  with  him  immediately 
after  death.  Here  we  have  a  good  reason  given,  why  a  child  of 
God  should  not  be  afraid  of  death.  All  who  can,  consistently, 
claim  Christ  as  their  Saviour,  know  that  he  has  saved  them  from 
sin :  Matt.  i.  21 ;  and  may  with  confidence  say,  God  will  redeem 
my  soul  from  the  power  of  the  grave.'^  The  grave  has  power 
over  the  body,  by  virtue  of  that  sentence  already  passed :  Gen. 
iii.  19;  but  it  has  no  such  power  over  the  soul;  the  soul  moves, 
and  acts,  and  converses  more  freely  after  death,  than  it  possibly 
could  in  this  life  :  Eev.  vi.  9-11.  The  soul  is  frequently  put  for 
the  life  ;  and  that  may  fall  under  "  the  poiver  of  the  grave  for 
awhile ;  but  "  God  will  redeem  it,^  when  mortality  shall  be  swal- 
lowed up  of  life.  Here  lies  the  Christian's  consolation;  death 
has  no  sting,  and  the  grave  has  no  victory.  The  language  of  a 
dying  believer  frequently  is,  and  always  should  be,  "Into  thy 
hand  I  commit  my  spirit ; thou  hast  redeemed  me,  0  Lord'  God 
of  truth :  "  Ps.  xxxi.  5.  The  Lord  redeemed  souls  that  he  might 
receive  them  into  the  mansions  prepared  for  them :  John  xiv.  2,  3. 
And  though  we  know  but  little  of  the  intermediate  state,  or  state 
where  the  departed  spirits  are  reserved  till  the  resurrection  of 
the  body,  we  are  assured  of  there  being  such  a  state :  (see  p. 
181 :)  and  the  happiness,  or  wretchedness,  of  that  state  depends 
upon  the  state  in  which  death  finds  us.  If  we  live  with  Christ 
we  shall  die  in  him,  and  be  ivitli  him  after  death ;  and  it  matters 
not  where  we  are,  whether  it  be  on  the  mount  or  in  the  valley,  in 
a  palace  or  a  prison,  in  life  or  in  death,  in  time  or  in  eternity,  it 
must  be  good  to  be  where  he  is  :  John  xvii.  4.  It  is  a  Heaven  of 
heavens  to  possess  Christ ;  and  a  Hell  of  hells  to  be  without  him. 
A  Christian  is  always  ready  for  heaven  when  his  heart  is  there 
before  him.  Let  death  find  you  at  the  fovmtain,  washing,  watch- 
ing, and  waiting  your  heavenly  Father's  call :  Luke  xxi.  36. 
Death  sends  the  believer  into  his  own  country,  kindred,  and 
friends.  To  be  absent  from  the  body  is  to  be  present  with  the 
Lord :  2  Cor.  v.  8.    To  be  with  the  Lord  is  heaven. 


OF  HAPPINESS  IMMEDIATELY  AFTER  DEATH.  183 


"  We  are  confident,  I  say,  and  willing  rather  to  be  absent  from  the  body,  and 
to  be  present  with  the  Lord."  —  2  Cor.  v.  8. 

TTTHEEE  the  treasure  is  there  the  heart  will  be  :  Matt.  vi. 


VV  21.  A  man  who  is  constantly  travelling  need  often 
wash  his  feet;  and  so  does  the  Christian  need  often  go  to  the 
fountain,  that  Christ  may  wash  his  heart :  John  xiii.  10.  All 
who  would  have  immediate  happiness  after  death,  must  be  pre- 
pared for  it  on  earth.  Death  can  never  convert  a  soul  to  God : 
no ;  the  most  that  death  can  do,  is  to  fetch  the  converted  home 
to  God ;  and  that  he  cannot  do  till  sent  by  him.  As  the  Lord 
prepares  the  heart,  Prov.  xvi.  1,  so  he  gives  the  earnest  of  the 
Spirit  as  part-payment,  and  which  assures  its  possessors  of  the 
balance,  after  their  work  is  done  :  2  Cor.  i.  22.  The  blessed  com- 
forts of  the  Spirit  here,  are  sure  earnests  of  glory  hereafter ;  and 
enable  those  who  possess  them  to  say,  We  are  confident;  what- 
ever doubts  we  may  have  upon  other  matters,  we  have  none  with 
regard  to  our  future  happiness :  "  we  know  whom  we  have  be- 
lieved ; and  whenever  death  comes,  he  will  find  us  both  ready 
and  willing  to  accompany  him  :  Heb.  xii.  23.  The  Christian  finds 
but  little  here  to  court  his  stay ;  his  treasure  is  laid  up  in 
heaven ;  his  happiness  is  to  be  with  Jesus,  even  while  in  the 
body,  where  his  interviews  with  him  are  short  and  interrupted ; 
he  is,  therefore,  willing  rather  to  be  abseiit  from  the  body,  and 
present  with  the  Lord.''  He  desires  to  be  with  Christ  altogether ; 
but  this  cannot  be  while  in  the  body ;  he  had  therefore  rather  be 
without  the  body  than  without  Jesus  :  Phil.  i.  23.  In  the  body, 
we  live  to  suffer ;  absent  from  the  body,  we  live  to  reign :  Eom. 
viii.  17.  "  Blessed  are  the  dead  that  die  in  the  Lord."  These, 
and  these  only  are  blessed  immediately  on  the  soul  leaving  the 
body.  His  righteousness  is  theirs  to  justify  them  :  1  Cor.  i.  30. 
His  Spirit  is  theirs  to  sanctify  them  :  1  Cor.  vi.  11.  They  have 
a  title  to  glory  and  a  meetness  for  it :  Eom.  viii.  15-17.  They 
have  a  capacity  for  its  services,  and  a  susceptibility  of  its  joys : 
1  Cor.  xiii.  12.  In  learning  to  live,  study  how  to  die ;  that  you 
may  exchange  a  bed  of  death  for  a  crown  of  life  :  2  Tim.  iv.  8. 
Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  were  happy  immediately  after  death : 
Matt.  xxii.  32 ;  so  were  Moses  and  Elias  ;  Mark  ix.  4 ;  and  so 
will  every  believer  be. 


184 


OF  A  GLORIOUS  RESUREECTION. 


"  Though  after  my  skin  worms  destroy  this  body,  yet  in  my  flesh  shall  /  see 
^0^."  — Job  xix.  26. 

/CHRIST  would  not  have  his  coat  divided, neither  will  he  have 


V_y  a  heart  divided.  A  real  believer,  while  in  time,  looks  be- 
yond time ;  he  has  his  eye  fixed  on  heaven  while  he  walks  on  the 
earth  :  Matt.  vi.  21.  Such  is  the  holy  indifference  with  which  a 
believer  looks  upon  the  corrupting  of  his  body,  that  after  the 
skin  is  worn  through,  and  scarcely  able  to  hold  the  bones,  he 
says,  "  Though  after  my  skin/^  which  is  already  partly  consumed, 
worms  destroy  this  body,^'  that  is  now  little  more  than  a  skeleton, 
yet  in  my  flesh  shall  I  see  God:^^  Ps.  xvi.  9.  Every  Christian 
has  hope  in  Christ ;  and  such  an  one  too  as  is  not  bounded  by  the 
narrow  limits  of  time ;  for  were  that  the  case,  their  lot  would  be 
a  hard  one ;  seeing,  that,  in  this  world,  they  are  hated,  buffeted, 
and  persecuted ;  and  exposed  to  all  manner  of  sufferings,  because 
they  are  not  of  the  world :  John  xv.  19,  20.  But  believing  in  a 
RESURRECTION,  their  hopes  carry  them  beyond  the  grave ;  and 
their  assurance  of  a  glorious  one  comforts  them  under  every 
calamity :  Isa.  xxvi.  19.  The  body  must  return  to  the  dust  from 
whence  it  was  taken :  Gen.  iii.  19 ;  but  that  self-same  body  shall 
be  raised  incorruptible,  honorable,  and  spiritual ;  leaving  nothing 
in  the  grave  but  the  corruption :  1  Cor.  xv.  42-44.  Soul  and 
body  must  come  together  again,  in  order  to  make  a  perfect  man. 

hi  myflesh,^^  says  the  Christian,  ''shall  I  see  God^  Let  this 
animate  you  when  looking  toward  your  own  grave.  Think  of  it 
with  resignation  and  pleasure.  It  is  true,  sin  takes  away  your 
health  and  strength,  and  lays  your  body  in  the  grave :  but  hear 
what  Jesus  says  among  the  tombs,  "  I  am  the  resurrection  and 
the  life  :  ^'  John  xi.  25.  At  the  sound  of  this  take  courage  and 
go  forward.  Look  not  only  to  the  grave,  but  through  it.  You 
have  not  to  leap  from  a  precipice ;  but  to  descend  an  easy  flight 
of  steps  ;  hang  upon  your  Beloved  and  Friend ;  lie  down  quietly 
at  his  bidding,  resting  assured  that  he  will  guard  your  sleeping 
dust,  and  shortly  bid  you  rise.  Here  you  often  mourn  on  ac- 
count of  not  being  able  to  get  a  sight  of  Jesus  ;  there  you  will  be 
like  him ;  for  you  will  see  him  as  he  is  :  1  John  iii.  2.  What 
a  haj^py  day  when  these  two  cousins  meet  (soul  and  body)  in  the 
Hill-c'cuntry. 


LIBRAKY 
OF  THE 
UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS 


Neither  can  they  die  anv  more  "  —  Paee  ^85. 


OF  A  GLORIOUS  RESURRECTION. 


185 


"Neither  can  they  die  any  more ;  for  they  are  equal  unto  the  angels ;  and 
are  the  children  of  God,  being  the  children  of  the  resurrection.''  — Luke  xx.  36. 
"TESTIS  is  the  life  of  a  believer's  hope  here,  and  the  hope  of 


for  that  reason  men  marry,  that  the  vacancies  may  be  filled  up ; 
but  in  HEAVEN  they  marry  not,  because  they  die  not :  Eev.  xxi.  4. 
Death  reigns  here,  but  cannot  enter  there  to  disturb  them  any 
more.  "Neither  can  they  die  any  more;^^  for  the  body  being 
raised  incorruptible,  there  can  be  nothing  belonging  to,  nor  con- 
nected with  it,  that  could  possibly  tend  to  death.  This  body  "  is 
sown  in  corruption,  it  is  raised  in  incorruption ;  it  is  sown  in  dis- 
honor, it  is  raised  in  glory ;  it  is  sown  in  weakness,  it  is  raised  in 
power ;  it  is  sown  a  natural  body,  it  is  raised  a  spiritual  body,''  — 
not  a  spirit,  but  spiritual.  For  there  is  a  natural  body,  and 
there  is  a  spiritual  body:"  1  Cor.  xv.  42-44.  "  They  are  equal 
unto  the  angels  their  glory  is  equal,  and  their  bliss  cannot  be 
inferior;  their  employment  is  the  same;  and  their  enjoyment  is 
as  great :  Ps.  xvi.  11.  Daily  experience  convinces  the  saints,  that, 
in  this  world,  they,  at  best,  are  but  strangers  and  pilgrims ;  that 
here  they  have  no  abiding  place,  and  have  but  to  lodge  awhile  in 
tents  put  up  to  be  taken  down.  Hence,  they  are  constantly  look- 
ing forward,  and  hasting  to,  that  day  which  shall  restore  their 
flesh ;  when  death  shall  all  be  done  away,  and  in  Heaven  they 
will  be  all  naturalized  citizens ;  "  equal  unto  the  angels,"  and 
enjoy  that  freedom  which  Christ  obtained  for  them  with  a  great 
sum."  They  "are  the  children  of  God;^^  while  in  this  world  they 
receive  the  adoption  of  sons  :  Eom.  viii.  15-17 ;  and  wait  for  its 
completion  in  the  other  world:  Eom.  viii.  23.  Here  they  have 
the  nature  and  disposition  of  sons,  but  Avill  have  to  go  home 
before  it  can  be  perfected.  They  are  "the  children  of  the  resurrec- 
tion;^^ being  born  from  above,  they  are  made  capable  of  the  em- 
ployments and  enjoyments  of  the  family  of  heaven.  jSTone  can 
enjoy  the  privileges  of  the  household  of  God,  without  being  born 
of  God:  John  i.  12,  13.  We  must  be  raised  from  a  death  of  sin, 
before  we  can  be  raised  to  a  life  of  glory.  Every  child  of  grace 
is  heir  to  a  crown  of  glory. 


hereafter  :  John  xi.  25. 


In  this  world  men  die ;  and 


186 


OF  liAl^PINESS  m  HEAVEN. 


"  The  upright  shall  dwell  in  thy  presence/'  —  Ps.  cxl.  13. 
T^HAT  can  we  say  of  heaven,  seeing  we  know  so  little,  and 


^  ^  cannot  tell  even  that  little  ?  But  we  will  venture  to 
affirm,  that  if  heaven  was  now  laid  open  to  our  view,  we  should 
no  longer  be  fit  to  dwell  upon  the  earth ;  our  minds  would  be  so 
engaged  with  the  rapturous  scene,  that  everything  else  would 
sink  into  insignificance,  and  every  other  engagement  be  neglected ; 
the  present  order  of  things  would  be  deranged ;  and  the  beings  to 
whom  it  was  presented  injured  and  destroyed.  If  the  spirit  of 
the  Queen  of  Sheba  left  her  at  the  sight  of  Solomon's  glory :  2 
Chron.  ix.  4 ;  and  Jacob  fainted  when  he  heard  that  his  son  Joseph 
was  alive,  and  the  sight  of  the  wagons  had  so  great  an  effect  upon 
him,  how  could  it  be  possible  to  behold  heaven  and  live  upon 
earth  ?  Gen.  xlv.  25-28.  However,  with  all  our  deficiencies,  we 
are  not  totally  ignorant  of  the  happiness  of  heaven.  This  much 
we  do  know :  The  upright  shall  dwell  in  God^s  presence We 
know  there  are  gradations  among  angels ;  for  we  read  of  thrones 
and  dominions,  and  principalities  and  powers :  Col.  i.  16.  We 
know  also,  that  there  are  different  degrees  of  grace  among  Chris- 
tians ;  and  can  have  no  doubt  but  there  are  different  degrees  in 
glory ;  though  all  are  perfectly  happy ;  but  small  vessels  cannot 
hold  so  much  as  large  ones  ;  notwithstanding  all  may  be  full :  1 
Cor.  iii.  8.  Heaven  is  a  place;  our  Lord  has  a  body  like  our 
own,  and  that  cannot  be  omnipresent;  and  wherever  he  is  cor- 
poreally, there  is  heaven :  John  xii.  26.  Enoch  and  Elijah  have 
bodies  there ;  and  so  will  all  the  redeemed.  There  we  shall  see 
our  dear  little  ones  that  were  taken  from  us ;  we  loved  them  here 
—  how  much  more  when  we  behold  them  smiling,  shining  cherubs ! 
Husbands  and  wives,  parents  and  children,  ministers  and  people, 
kindred  and  friends,  will  there  meet,  to  part  no  more  forever. 
And  seeing  we  have  no  right  to  suppose  that  our  memories  will 
fail  us,  what  can  prevent  us  from  knowing  each  other  ?  Peter, 
James,  and  John,  knew  Moses  and  Elias  :  Matt.  xvii.  1-8.  Paul 
told  the  Thessalonians  they  were  his  hope,  and  joy,  and  crown,  at 
the  coming  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ :  1  Thess.  ii.  19.  Surely, 
then  he  must  know  them. 


OF  HAPPINESS  IN  HEAVEN. 


187 


** In  my  Father's  house  are  many  mansions;  if  it  were  not  so  I  would  have 
told  you ;  I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you.  "  —  John  xiv.  2. 

/^UR  blessed  Jesus,  to  give  his  followers  the  best  of  comfort 


V-/  in  the  worst  of  times,  assures  them,  that  in  his  Father^ s 
house  are  many  mansions ^  Heaven  is  a  house;  not  a  tent  that  is 
put  up  but  for  a  few  days ;  neither  is  it  a  house  made  with  hands, 
that,  with  its  builder,  must  shortly  crumble  into  dust :  2  Cor.  v. 
1.  The  Saviour  calls  it  his  "Father's  house  ;  and  we  know  that 
his  Father  is  the  Father  of  every  believer  in  him ;  and  that  his 
house  is  their  home :  John  i.  12.  There  are  different  apartments, 
it  appears,  in  his  house,  and  such  as  will  well  accommodate  his 
whole  family.  There  may  be  one  for  every  grade ;  but  be  that 
as  it  may,  there  are  "  maiiy  mansions  in  it,  sufficient  to  receive 
all  with  every  comfort.  But  commodious  as  "Father's  house'' 
is,  it  would  not  be  large  enough  for  tivo  families ;  therefore,  our 
Emmanuel  says,  "  /  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you,''^  my  brethren, 
the  "sons  of  God:"  1  John  iii.  2.  Every  occupant  will  be  com- 
pletely swallowed  up  of  glory  and  of  God.  Multitudes  who  pos- 
sessed not  a  foot  of  land  on  earth,  will  possess  a  mansion  after 
death:  Luke  xii.  32.  Of  the  reality  of  all  this  happiness  there 
can  be  no  doubt,  for  the  adorable  Eedeemer  declares,  "  If  it  ivere 
not  so  I  would  have  told  you : "  men  may  deceive  you  —  you  may 
deceive  yourselves  —  but  I  will  not  —  "  I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for 
you : "  and  I  will  fetch  you  to  it  when  I  have  prepared  you  for 
it :  John  xiv.  3. 

Heaven  is  a  place  of  perfect  purity  ;  and  this  to  the  Chris- 
tian is  worth  dying  for,  to  leave  behind  the  body  of  this  death ; 
this  continual  strife  and  warring  in  the  members  ;  this  inability 
to  do  the  things  we  would;  this  proneness  to  sin;  to  be  innocent 
as  the  first  Adam  in  Eden,  and  holy  as  the  second  Adam  in 
heaven!  Heaven  is  a  social  state  ;  here  we  have  but  few  holy 
companions  ;  but  there  we  shall  have  a  vast  multitude ;  who  will 
all  unite  with  us  in  recounting  the  mercies  and  goodness  of  our 
God;  and  aid  us  in  ascribing  Salvation  to  our  God  which  sitteth 
on  the  throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb:  Rev.  vii.  9,  10.  Our  society 
there  will  be  the  most  dignified,  and  our  employments  the  most 
exalted. 


188 


0^  PLEASURE  AND  JOY  IN  HEAVEN. 


"  Thou  wilt  show  me  the  path  of  life ;  in  thy  presence  is  fulness  of  joy ;  at 
thy  right  hand  there  are  pleasures  foreyermore/'  —  Ps.  xvi.  14. 

IT  is  the  highest  wisdom  for  a  man  to  let  his  sins  die  before 
he  dies  himself.  As  Christ  is  the  Head  and  his  Church  the 
body,  all  who  have  had  their  sins  put  to  death,  may,  with  confi- 
dence and  comfort  to  themselves,  say,  "  Thou  wilt  show  me  the 
path  of  Ufe.^^  A  good  head  and  a  good  heart  are  from  the  good 
grace  of  God ;  and  are  necessary  to  every  good  work :  Phil.  ii.  13. 
Grod  will  not  only  show  us  the  path  of  life,''  but  will  also  put 
his  Spirit  within  us,  and  so  cause  us  to  walk  in  that  path :  Ezek. 
xxxvi.  27.  Sorrow  is  our  lot  in  this  world ;  but  in  heaven  there 
is  joy  prepared  for  us.  Here  our  greatest  joys  are  empty  and 
imperfect;  but  in  the  " iweseiice  of  God/^  we  shall  have  ful- 
ness of  joy;  our  cup  of  joy  will  be  so  full,  there  will  be  no 
room  for  one  drop  of  sorrow  :  1  Cor.  ii.  9.  Here  our  sweetest 
pleasures  are  but  momentary ;  they  fly  away,  and  are  succeeded 
by  bitter  sorrows ;  but  at  "  God^s  right  hand-  there  are  pleasures 
forevermorey  They  are  immortal  pleasures  ;  suited  to  immortal 
souls,  who  are  to  enjoy  them  forever,  in  the  presence  of  an  eternal 
God.  We  shall  also  have  the  presence  and  sight  of  the  blessed 
Saviour,  "in  whom  dwelleth  all  the  fulness  of  the  Godhead 
bodily : Col.  ii.  9.  Neither  the  place,  the  company,  the  harps, 
nor  the  crowns,  could  substitute  for  Jesus  ;  it  could  be  no  heaven 
without  him  ;  we  shall,  therefore,  be  with  him  —  be  like  him  — 
and  ever  enjoy  his  presence :  Phil.  i.  23.  We  are  now  in  prison 
—  the  compassionate  Captain  of  our  Salvation  often  visits  us  in 
our  cell ;  and  helps  us  to  supplies  through  our  bars ;  but  the  best 
of  all  his  visits  will  be  his  last ;  when  he  will  not  only  come  to 
us,  but  for  us :  John  xiv.  3.  Our  joy  in  heaven  will  be  joy,  ex- 
ceeding joy;  and  glory  with  exceeding  joy:''  Jude  24.  It  is 
life,  "  eternal  life  ;  '^  it  is  salvation,  an  everlasting  salvation ; " 
it  is  a  kingdom,  a  kingdom  "  that  cannot  be  shaken ;  "  it  is  a 
crown,  "  a  crown  of  glory  that  f adeth  not  away."  Every  power, 
passion,  and  faculty  we  possess,  will  be  continually  expanding  and 
filling  with  the  knowledge  and  love  of  God,  in  whose  presence  is 
fulness  of  joy.  It  is  good  to  have  God  dwell  with  us,  but  it  will 
be  far  better  when  we  dwell  with  God. 


OF  PLEASURE  AND  JOY  IN  HEAVEN. 


189 


"/  will  make  thee  ruler  over  many  things  :  enter  thou  into  the  Joy  of  thy 
Lord. ' '  —  Matt.  xxv.  21. 

CHRIST  will  never  say,  "  Well  done  ! to  any  who  have  not 
done  well.  It  matters  but  little  who  speaks  ill  of  us  in  this 
our  day,  if  we  but  know  that  God  will  speak  well  of  us  in  the  last 
day.  But  our  Eedeeming  Lord  will  not  put  his  faithful  servants 
off  with  merely  giving  them  a  good  name ;  for  he  will  do  well 
unto  them  :  Rom.  ii.  6.  I  will  make  thee  ruler  over  many  things.^^ 
All  we  can  do  for  Christ  is  very  little ;  and  it  is  most  ungrateful 
not  to  do  the  little  we  may.  If  all  our  doings,  sufferings,  and 
improvings,  were  put  together,  they  would  scarcely  be  worth 
naming ;  much  less  worthy  to  be  compared  with  the  glory  which 
shall  be  revealed  by  him  for,  yea,  in  us  :  Rom.  viii.  18.  Amongst 
the  many  things he  has  in  store  for  those  who  serve  him,  are, 
a  crown  of  righteousness  :  2  Tim.  iv.  8 ;  a  throne  of  glory :  Rev. 
iii.  21 5  and  a  kingdom :  Luke  xii.  32.  They  may  have  been 
beggars  here,  but  that  shall  not  prevent  their  being  rulers  in 
heaven.  Here  they  have  but  flashes  of  joy  and  floods  of  sorrow ; 
but  there  they  shall  enter  fully  '^into  the  joy  of  their  LordJ^ 
The  joy  of  heaven  will  be  pw^e,  free  from  all  alloy  :  an  ocean  of 
joy  without  one  drop  of  grief.  Let  the  eye  turn  which  way 
soever  it  may,  nothing  but  joy  will  be  to  be  seen  :  —  the  presence 
and  enjoyment  of  God  and  the  Lamb  will  fill  both  soul  and  body 
unutterably  full  of  unutterable  joy.  All  sadness  shall  be  turned 
into  songs ;  and  the  tears  in  which  you  now  sow,  will  issue  in 
floods,  yea,  rivers  of  pleasure  for  you  to  bathe  in  :  Rev.  vii.  15- 
17.  Now  we  see  through  a  glass  darkly ;  but  then  face  to  face, 
^^ow  we  know  in  part ;  then  shall  we  know  even  as  we  are  known. 
'Now  we  are  assaulted  by  the  enemy  ;  then  we  shall  be  freed  from 
every  foe  ;  and  have  nothing  in  us  that  temptation  can  operate 
upon.  Nothing  will  be  found  there  to  mar  our  pleasures,  nor 
wound  our  peace.  Here  Christians  are  in  their  infancy,  there 
they  will  arrive  at  the  fulness  of  the  stature  of  Christ.  Here,  at 
best,  they  are  faithful  over  but  few  things ;  there  they  are  made 
rulers  over  many  things.^^  Here  we  are  saved  by  hope;  there 
we  possess  the  reality.  Now  we  have  the  earnest;  then  the 
inheritance. 


190 


OF  GLORY  IN  HEAVEN. 


"They  that  be  wise  shall  shine  as  the  brightness  of  the  firmament;  and 
they  that  turn  many  to  righteousness  as  the  stars  forever  and  ever,"  —  Dan 
xii.  3. 

ny  fT ANY  are  wise  in  their  own  account,  who  are  fools  in  God's 


•-LVJL  account :  1  Cor.  iii.  19.  None  are  truly  wise,  but  such  as 
are  wise  for  their  souls  and  eternity  :  and  all  such,  being  taught 
of  God,  must  be  truly  wise;  and  it  will  be  made  to  appear  in 
eternity,  that  they  were  such ;  although  they  were  counted  fools. 
They  who  walk  in  the  way  of  wisdom  in  time,  shall  have  a  glori- 
ous reward  in  eternity.  "  They  shall  shine  as  the  brightness  of  the 
firmament,^'  Here  they  are  buried  in  obscurity,  and  loaded  with 
reproach  and  shame ;  but  there,  when  God  shall  have  rolled  away 
their  reproach,  they  will  shine  like  an  unclouded  sky ;  and  that 
in  the  same  proportion  as  they  have  made  themselves  useful  in 
instructing  others  :  Matt.  v.  19.  For  they  that  turn  many  to 
righteousness^^  that  is,  turn  the  wicked  from  the  error  of  their 
ways,  from  sin  to  holiness,  and  help  them  to  fly  from  that  death 
which  is  the  wages  of  sin ;  shall  have  a  great  addition  to  their  own 
glory  by  sharing  in  the  glory  of  others  :  James  v.  20.  "  They 
shall  shine  as  the  stars Christ  is  the  Sun,  the  fountain  of  all 
light,  and  those  who  teach  others  may  be  considered  as  stars; 
some  shining  much  brighter  than  others,  but  all  shining  in  that 
light  they  derive  from  him  who  is  the  Author  of  light ;  both  of 
grace  and  glory. 

Figures  were  originally  used,  not  for  ornament,  but  to  explair. 
the  sacred  truths ;  and  we  need  them  for  the  same  purpose  still. 
We  have  no  way  of  understanding  what  is  difficult,  but  by  the 
application  of  what  is  familiar.  No  wonder,  then,  in  order  that 
we  might  have  some  weak  conceptions  of  the  glory  of  heaven, 
that  we  read  of  rivers  of  pleasure ;  trees  of  life  ;  palms  of  victory; 
crowns  of  glory ;  feastings  and  mirths ;  treasures  and  triumphs ; 
singing  and  shouting;  —  and  a  thousand  other  images  which  serve 
to  show  us  a  little  of  the  glorious  substance,  which  God  has  laid 
up  for  them  that  fear  him  :  Ps.  xxxi.  19.  And  when  the  stars 
shall  fall  from  heaven  as  leaves  from  the  trees,  and  their  lights 
shall  have  gone  out,  the  saints  shall  shine  forever  and  ever.^' 
Trim  your  lamp  in  time,  that  it  may  burn  well  in  eternity. 


OF  GLORY  IN  HBAVEK. 


191 


"  When  Christ,  who  is  our  life,  shall  appear,  then  shall  ye  also  appear  with 
him  in  glory."  —  Col.  iii.  4. 

JESUS  CHEIST  is  the  life  of  all  who  believe  on  him :  Gal. 
ii.  20.  By  him  we  are  brought  to  the  enjoyment  of  Grod : 
being  quickened  by  his  Spirit,  and  conformed  to  his  image,  we 
are  enabled  to  live  on  God's  fulness  of  grace,  and  do  all  with  an 
eye  to  his  glory :  Phil.  i.  21.  He  is  our  life'^  being  the  source 
and  maintainer  of  life :  he  purchased  eternal  life  for  his  people  ; 
bestows  it  on  them ;  dwells  in  their  hearts ;  comforts  them  while 
on  their  pilgrimage ;  and,  at  their  journey's  end,  will  give  them 
all  that  eternal  blessedness  he  has  purchased  and  prepared  for 
them :  John  xi.  25.  Christ  is  now  hid,  and  our  life  is  hid  with 
him  ;  but  he  will  not  always  be  concealed  :  for  he  will  "  appear '' 
in  all  the  splendor  of  the  heavenly  world,  accompanied  by  ten 
thousand  times  ten  thousand  glorified  saints  and  angels :  Dan.' 
vii.  10;  Eev.  vii.  9,  10.  It  will  be  Christ's  glory  to  have  his 
saints  with  him :  2  Thess.  i.  10 ;  and  it  will  be  their  glory  to  be 
with  him :  John  xvii.  24.  What  a  glorious  meeting,  when  glori- 
fied saints,  and  glorified  angels,  with  a  glorified  Christ,  appear 
in  glory  !  " 

And  "ye  also/^  yes,  "ye  also,  shall  appear  with  him  in  glory : " 
notwithstanding  your  unworthiness,  your  many  short-comings, 
and  base  ingratitude,  he  will  have  you  with  him  in  glory  :  John 
xiii.  1.  There  is  your  head ;  there  is  your  home ;  there  is  your 
all ;  and  there  "  ye  shall  be  also ; "  and  that  forever.  Even  on 
earth,  the  Christian  realizes  more  of  the  glory  of  heaven  than  he 
can  find  language  to  express.  What  can  equal  the  state  of  those, 
who,  with  humble  confidence,  can  say,  "  Being  justified  by  faith, 
we  have  peace  with  God,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  by 
whom  also  we  have  access  by  faith  into  this  grace  wherein  we 
stand,  and  rejoice  in  hope  of  the  glory  of  God  ?  "  Eom.  v.  1,  2. 
The  thought  of  such  amazing  glory  in  heaven,  creates  constant 
joys  upon  earth !  "  For  our  light  affliction,  which  is  but  for  a 
moment,  worketh  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight 
of  glory :  "  2  Cor.  iv.  17.  But  why  should  we  any  longer  darken 
counsel  with  words,  seeing  it  is  impossible  for  finite  language 
to  describe  infinite  glory  ?  1  Cor.  li.  9.  But  wliat  we  know  not 
now,  we  shall  know  hereafter,  . 


192 


OF  THE  KINGDOM  OF  HEAVEN. 


"  The  saints  of  the  Most  High  shall  take  the  kingdom,  and  possess  thQ 
kingdom."  —  Dan.  vii.  18. 

SAINTS  are  persons  who  are  holy,  in  heart  and  in  life ;  and 
are  distinguished  from  sinners,  or  the  world,  by  their  godly 
walk  and  conversation :  Ps.  xvi.  3.  They  are  travellers  to  Zion ; 
and  the  more  difficulties  they  meet  on  their  way,  the  sweeter 
will  be  their  heaven,  when  they  come  to  it :  Isa.  xxxv.  10.  Sin- 
ners cavil  at,  and  persecute  the  saints,  while  here ;  but  God  will 
plead  their  cause  hereafter ;  and  tJie  saints  of  tJie  Most  High 
shall  take  tJie  kingdom,^^  to  which  they  are  now  heirs.  Even 
while  in  this  sinful  state,  they  have  dominion  over  their  own 
corruptions  and  lusts;  and,  through  grace,  they  are  constantly 
obtaining  victories  over  the  world,  temptations,  and  Satan:  1 
John  V.  4.  The  saints  rule,  by  the  Spirit's  ruling  in  them  ;  and 
have  the  kingdom  now  within  them  :  Luke  xvii.  21.  But  they 
will  shortly  be  within  the  kingdom,  and  possess  it :  Luke  xii.  32. 
According  to  the  promise  of  Christ,  they  are  now  looking  for, 
travelling  to,  and  in  expectation  of,  an  everlasting  kingdom, 
and  a  never-fading  crown:  1  Pet.  i.  4;  v.  4.  They  are  assured 
that  Christ  has  a  kingdom ;  and  know  that  what  is  his,  is  theirs ; 
and  that  they  are  his  :  1  Cor.  iii.  21-23.  "  They  shall  possess  the 
kingdom :  "  having  taken  it,  they  shall  possess  it  in  peace.  They 
shall  throw  down  their  sword,  and  take  up  their  crown :  and 
being  at  the  end  of  their  journey,  their  staff  will  be  laid  aside, 
and  the  sceptre  used  in  its  stead.  They  will  then  have  left  off 
praying,  and  commenced  praising ;  their  watching  will  be  ended, 
their  danger  being  over  :  faith  will  be  lost  in  sight,  and  hope 
drowned  in  the  ocean  of  sensible  and  full  enjoyment :  Eev.  xxi. 
3,4. 

Say  not,  poor,  tried  soul,  that  this  kingdom  is  not  for  you; 
that  it  is  too  good  for  you.  The  gate  of  heaven  is  now  opened 
to  you ;  your  hope  is  in  Christ,  perfect  and  complete ;  look  unto 
him,  and  him  alone.  In  Christ  we  are,  1st.  Perfectly  cleansed 
from  all  guilt :  Rom.  viii.  1.  2d.  Restored  to  perfect  righteous- 
ness :  1  Cor.  i.  30.  3d.  Completely  reconciled  to  God :  2  Cor.  v. 
18.  And,  4th.  We  have  the  gates  of  the  kingdom  thrown  open 
to  us  :  Heb.  x.  19-22.  Here  is  all  you  can  need ;  a  glorious 
crown  and  perfection  in  Christ^ , 


OF  THE  KINGDOM  OF  HEAVEN. 


193 


"Come ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  prepared  for  you  from 
the  foundation  of  the  world.  "  —  Matt.  xxv.  24. 

THE  best  wine  is  reserved  for  the  last.  This  last  come,  from 
the  lips  of  our  immortal  Kixg,  will  be  the  most  joyful  of 
all  his  gracious  words.  As  Christ  loves  his  saints  best,  so  he 
will  reckon  with  them  first.  What  unutterable  joy  will  fill  theii 
hearts,  when,  as  they  wake  up  from  their  dusty  beds,  they  meet 
with  such  a  hearty  welcome  from  the  lips  of  their  gracious 
Kedeemer  !  "  Come  to  me,  and  be  forever  with  me  :  2  Thess. 
iv.  17.  "  Come,  ye  "  that  followed  me  below,  bearing  your  cross ; 
come  and  wear  a  crown :  2  Tim.  iv.  8.  Corne,  ye  who  were 
hated,  persecuted,  and  cursed,  by  the  world;  ye  blessed  of  my 
FatJiej' ;  heloved.  from,  and  blessed  to  eternity.  ^^Ye  blessed'^ 
in  me  with  all  spiritual  blessings  ;  I  was  given  to,  sought  by, 
and  found  of  you  ;  laid  down  my  life  for  you ;  gathered  you  to 
myself ;  and  now  come  and  reign  with  me  :  Eph.  i.  3.  Ye  beloved 
of  my  soul,  whom  I  redeemed  from  the  curse  of  the  law ;  I  made 
it  your  privilege  to  come  boldly  to  a  throne  of  grace ;  and  now 
you  are  welcome  to  a  throne  of  glory  :  Luke  xxii.  29,  30.  Inherit 
tlie  Icingdom/^  which  I  purchased  and  prepared  for  youJ^  I  told 
you,  that  "  in  my  Father's  house  were  many  mansions,'^  and,  that 
"  I  would  prepare  a  place  for  you ;  now  come  and  see,  that  I 
have  done  all  things  according  to  my  promise.  All  is  now  ready 
for  your  reception ;  come  in,  and  take  possession.  Come  I "'  I 
told  you  I  would  come  again,  and  receive  you  to  myself;  and 
now,  here  I  am ;  and  give  you  ten  thousand  welcomes  in  one  ! 
Come  to  my  house  —  my  throne  —  my  arms  —  my  heart.  All  has 
been  prepared  for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  ivorld;  so  that 
you  have  all  by  the  free  gift  of  my  Father's  love  and  good  pleas- 
ure, prepared  by  his  grace,  and  reserved  for  you.  "  Come  I "  Take 
possession  now  !  Here  are  your  Mansions  —  your  Seats  —  your 
Thrones  —  your  Sceptres  —  your  Kingdoms  —  your  Crowns ! 
Keign  forever  !  Then  will  they  sing,  "  Salvation  to  our  God 
which  sitteth  upon  the  tlirone^  and  unto  the  Lamb  :  "  Eev.  viii.  9,  10. 
Hold  constant  communion  with  God ;  and  you  enjoy  a  heaven 
while  on  earth ;  and  a  heaven  after  death.  Hallelujah  !  Th.Q 
God  omnipotent  reigneth  \ 


194 


OF  THE  ENelOYMENT  OF  GOD. 


"  With  thee  is  the  fountain  of  life;  in  thy  light  shall  we  see  light.  "  —  Ps. 
xxxvi.  9. 

T  IFE  and  light  shall  be  the  eternal  portion  of  the  saints  : 


-L^  their  bliss  will  be  the  enjoyment  of  God:  and  since  he 
is  eternal,  their  happiness  must  be  endless.  Observe, 

First.  In  him  they  have  a  ''fountain  of  Ufe,'^  As  the  streams 
are  dependent  on  the  spring,  and  the  beams  on  the  sun,  so  we  are 
flependent  on  God :  1st.  For  our  natural  life  ;  we  derived  it  from 
him,  and  it  is  owing  to  his  pity,  patience,  and  fatherly  care,  that 
our  lives  have  been  prolonged.  We  could  not  move  a  limb,  nor 
have  a  being  but  for  him :  Acts  xvii.  28.  The  God  of  nature  is 
the  God  of  all  natural  life.  2d.  He  is  the  Fountain  of  all  spirit- 
ual life.  All  the  strength,  comfort,  principles,  powers,  and  per- 
formances, of  a  sanctified  soul,  he  is  the  Spring  and  Author  of : 
John  i.  4.  And,  3d.  He  is  the  Fountain  of  eternal  life;  for 
without  him  there  could  be  no  heaven :  Ps.  xvi.  11.  He  is  not 
a  wasting  stream,  that  soon  exhausts  its  store ;  but  a  never-failing 
FouNTAiisr,  ever  flowing  in  plenteous  supplies  for  every  demand. 

Secondly.  In  him  they  have  light.  This  is  a  dark  world,  and 
we  see  but  little  comfort  in  it ;  but  the  more  we  have  of  God, 
even  now,  the  more  we  have  of  light:  for  "  God  is  light:  ^'  1  John 
i.  5.  Those  only  who  have  an  acquaintance  with  God  have  seen 
the  light.  1st.  Divine  light  now  shines  in  the  word  of  truth; 
but  more  especially  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ :  John  viii.  12. 
But,  2d.  When  the  curtain  of  time  is  wound  up,  then,  and  not 
till  then,  "  shall  ive  see  light  in  His  light/^  in  the  highest  perfec- 
tion :  1  Cor.  xiii.  12.  Now  our  brightest  views  are  but  like  look- 
ing at  the  sun  through  an  opaque  glass,  and  our  sight  constantly 
interrupted  by  flying-clouds  ;  but  there,  our  light  will  be  bright, 
real,  and  lasting.  Here  we  have  dark  nights,  and  cloudy  days  ; 
but  there  we  shall  have  our  light  from  God  and  the  Lamb ;  whom 
no  cloud  can  darken :  1  John  iii.  2.  We  now  have  his  presence 
in  grace ;  but  then  we  shall  have  it  in  glory :  Eev.  xxi.  3,  23. 
Cheer  up,  poor,  trembling  believer  !  your  troublesome  days,  and 
wearisome  nights,  will  soon  be  at  ap.  Qud.  Take  gospel-courage 
and  pre^s  on. 


OF  THE  ENJOYMENT  OF  GOD. 


195 


"So  shall  we  ever  be  with  the  Lord.*'  —  1  Thess.  iv.  17. 

THE  thought  of  a  resurrection  should  always  be  a  spring  of 
consolation :  and  when  we  lose  our  godly  friends  by  death, 
we  should  bear  in  mind,  that  they  are  only  gone  to  bed  a  little 
before  us.  Nor  should  we  forget,  that  when  Christ  calls  them  up 
in  the  morning  of  the  last  day,  we,  with  them,  shall  be  carried 
on  clouds,  and  conducted  by  angels  into  our  Father's  house,  to  go 
out  no  more :  "  So  shall  we  ever  be  with  the  LordJ^  Then  shall 
we,  not  only  meet  together,  but  remain  together,  ever  with  the 
Lord.''  Now  we  walk  by  faith :  2  Cor.  v.  7 ;  but  in  heaven,  we 
shall  see  the  smiles  and  beauty  of  our  Redeemer's  face  without  a 
veil  between :  1  John  iii.  2.  Now  is  our  seed-time,  and  we  have 
to  labor  in  the  field ;  but  when  the  harvest  is  gathered  in,  we 
shall  have  our  Harvest-Home  ;  and  ever  be  with  the  Harvest- 
Lord.  Here  we  have  frequently  to  complain  of  interruptions, 
in  our  communion  with  God;  but  there,  no  intruder  will  be 
admitted ;  and  we  shall  have  nothing  to  mar  our  eternal  enjoy- 
ment of  the  Lord.  We  have  to  lament  our  darkness  here ;  but 
we  shall  have  light  enough  there  :  Eev.  xxii.  5.  Here  we  have 
to  grapple  with  death ;  but  there  we  shall  have  everlasting  life  : 
Rev.  xxi.  4.  Now  we  are  deprived  of  many  things  ;  then  we 
shall  possess  all  things  :  Rev.  xxi.  7. 

Glory  is  a  flower  that  can  never  fade  ;  the  possessor  of  it  shall 
be  always  pleased  and  delighted  with  it:  Ps.  xvi.  11.  All  true 
Christians  are  born  of  God  :  John  i.  12,  13 ;  and  all  who  are  born 
of  God,  are  heirs  of  God,  and  joint-heirs  with  Jesus  Christ:  Rom. 
viii.  17 ;  and  those  who  are  heaven-born,  are  heaven-bound ;  and 
will  shortly  be  in  the  full  enjoyment  of  God,  their  inheritance. 
In  the  enjoyment  of  God,  we  shall  have  Peace,  Plenty,  Profit, 
Pleasure,  Ease,  Health,  Honor,  Riches,  Glory,  Immortality,  and 
Eternal  Life !  Yea,  we  shall  have  Thrones  for  our  seats ;  Crowns 
for  our  heads ;  Sceptres  for  our  hands  ;  Heaven  for  our  home ; 
God  for  our  Father ;  Christ  for  our  brother ;  Angels  for  our  com- 
panions ;  and  all  that  heaven  can  hold  for  our  possessions  :  Rev. 
xxi.  7.  0,  believer,  abide  in  Jesus  !  rest  satisfied ;  very  shortly 
your  Jesus  shall  be  from  heaven  revealed,  to  make  you  forQvet 
happy  iix  his  rest, 


PART  !!• 


PKOMISES  TO  SEVERAL  GRACES  AND  DUTIES. 


CHAPTER  I. 

PROMISES  TO  DUTIES  OF  THE  FIRST  TABLE. 

TO  FAITH  I^^  CHRIST. 

"He  that  believeth  shall  not  make  haste.  " —  Isa.  xxviii.  16. 

WITHOUT  a  foundation,  no  house  can  stand  a  storm ;  but 
one  well  built  upon  a  rock,  bids  defiance  to  floods  and 
winds :  Matt.  vii.  24-27.  God  has  laid  a  sure  foundation  for 
your  faith,  and  you  are  required  to  build  upon  it ;  it  is  a  founda- 
tion laid  in  Zion,  the  Church.  It  is  one  which  thousands  have 
already  tried,  by  building  their  hopes  of  heaven  upon  it ;  and  has 
never  been  known  to  fail  one  :  Eom.  ix.  33.  Neither  will  it  fail 
you,  if  you  venture  your  all  upon  it ;  for  it  is  still  written,  "  He 
that  believeth  shall  not  make  hasteJ^  This  is  our  mercy.  Jesus 
Christ  is  the  main,  principal  object ;  for  faith  and  Christ  must 
go  together.  ''He  that  believeth that  is,  receiveth  and  resteth 
upon  Christ  alone  for  salvation  :  Acts  iv.  12 ;  and  deriveth  all  his 
hopes  of  life  and  happiness  from  him,  ''shall  not  make  haste.^'' 
He  shall  not  be  confounded:  1  Pet.  ii.  6.  His  expectation  shall 
not  be  cut  off ;  he  shall  not  be  in  a  hurry ;  but  will  quietly  and 
patiently  wait  till  the  coming  of  his  Lord  :  Lam.  iii.  26 ;  being 
fully  persuaded,  that  he  that  shall  come,  will  come,  and  not 
tarry :  Heb.  x.  37.  Sin  and  Satan  shall  not  overcome  "  he  that 
believeth;"  his  heart  is  fixed;  and  being  confident  that  Jhsus 
reigns,  he  smiles  at  every  storm ;  and  has  no  doubt  of  reigning 
Vfith  hirii, 


TO  FAITH  IN  CHKIST. 


197 


"If  thou  canst  believe,  all  things  are  possible  to  him  that  believeth.** 
Mark  ix.  23. 

'TTT'ITHOUT  believing  in  Christ,  there  can  be  no  love  to,  nor 


VV  comfort  from,  him;  as  poor  needy  sinners,  we  have  con- 
stantly to  cleave  to  J esus  from  hour  to  hour.  The  most  exalted 
apostl'j),  and  the  most  obscure  sinner,  are  upon  a  level.  Both 
have  the  same  evils  to  be  delivered  from;  both  believe  in  the 
same  Jesus,  to  obtain  the  same  end,  and  enjoy  peace  with  God, 
through  him :  Eom.  v.  1.  The  enemy  of  your  soul  will  do  all  he 
can  to  cause  you  to  question  the  power,  or  willingness,  of  Christ 
to  save  you ;  and  the  Saviour  knowing  this,  would  rather  put  you 
upon  questioning  your  own  faith.  If  thou  canst  believe^'  that 
that  hard  heart  of  thine  can  be  broken  by  the  power  of  his  grace ; 
"  believe  all  that  he  has  promised  —  part  with  all  thy  sins,  let 
them  be  ever  so  pleasurable  —  venture  all  that  concerns  thy  soul 
with  him,  and  all  that  concerns  thy  body  for  him,  then  thou  shalt 
know,  that  'Udl  things  are  possible  to  him  that  believeth: Phil.  iv. 
13.  Canst  thou  believe  that  though  thou  art  a  sinner,  Jesus 
Christ  is  both  able  and  willing  to  save  thee  ?  Acts  xiii.  39. 
Durst  thou  believe,  that  if  thou  venturest  all  upon  him,  he  will 
now  save  thee  ?  Eom.  iv.  5.  Eemember,  he  speaks  to  thee,  as  if 
thou  hadst  nothing  to  do  but  believe ;  for  do  what  thou  wilt 
without  believing,  it  will  amount  to  nothing:  Heb.  xi.  6.  Do 
not  say,  "  I  cannot  believe ;  for  you  certainly  have  as  much 
power  to  believe,  as  you  have  to  pray ;  and  as  you  try  to  pray,  so 
do  you  try  to  believe :  John  i.  12.  It  is  true,  in  your  corrupt 
nature,  there  dwells  no  good  thing :  Eom.  vii.  18 ;  but  it  is  the 
will,  and  the  work  of  God,  that  you  are  aiming  at ;  and  will  not 
a  God  of  love  and  grace  put  out  his  hand  to  help  his  own  work  ? 
Gal.  iii.  22.  Will  he  not  help  a  poor,  weak  creature,  to  do  his 
own  will  ?  Ps.  xlii.  5.  Jesus  ever  lives  and  prays  ;  gospel-grace 
is  still  proclaimed  to  the  wretched.  Come  to  Jesus,  owning  your 
sin,  and  grieving  for  your  folly ;  and  believe  in  him,  "  that  ye 
may  know  that  ye  have  eternal  life  :  1  John  v.  13.  You  have 
good  reason  to  believe,  drawn  from  the  love  of  God.  The  Father 
gave  his  Son  ;  faith  approves  that  gift :  John  iii.  16.  "  If  thou 
a^ust  believe,'^  even  mountains  will  fly  before  thy  faith. 


198 


TO  FAITH  IN  CHKIST. 


''Every  one  that  is  bitten,  wfien  fie  /ooketh  upon  it,  shall  live/*  —  Nuuib. 
xxi.  8. 

~]y  /TOST  serpents  are  poisonous ;   and  all  sins  are  ruinous. 


J-^-J-  Our  sins  are  never  mortified,  till  we  have  seen  Christ 
crucified.  Y/hen  Israel  sinned  against  God,  fiery  serpents  were 
sent  amongst  them  by  Him;  which  bit  the  people,  and  much 
people  (rf  Israel  died ;  and  had  not  He  found  a  crnre,  all  must 
have  died.  When  they  prayed,  the  Lord  heard  ;  a  serpent  of 
brass  Avas  made  ;  and,  that  all  might  have  the  privilege  of  look- 
ing upon  it,  it  was  set  upon  a  x)ole  in  the  midst  of  the  Israelitish 
camp.  Their  cure  was  conditional ;  "  Every  one  that  looketli  upon 
it  shall  live  and  which  plainly  implied,  that  the  bitten  who  did 
not  look  upon  it,  would  not  live.  Their  case  and  cure  very 
much  resemble  ours. 

1st.  They  were  mortally  wounded  by  the  serpents,  whose  bite 
was  fiery  ;  so  are  we,  by  the  old  serpent.  Rev.  xii.  9,  whose  darts 
are  fiery :  Eph.  vi.  16.  2d.  The  bite  of  the  serpent  heated  and 
inflamed  the  whole  body  ;  hence  they  are  called  "  fiery  serpents  ;  " 
so  do  lust  and  passion  inflame  the  soul,  while  the  tamest  sins  bite 
like  the  wildest  serpents :  Prov.  xxiii.  32.  3d.  They  could  not 
heal  the  wounds  the  serpents  made ;  neither  can  we,  those  that 
sin  hath  made :  Ezek.  xviii.  4.  4th.  God  devised  the  plan  of 
their  recovery,  and  had  it  put  into  effect ;  so  he  did  the  plan  of 
our  salvation :  John  iii.  14, 15.  5th.  Moses  lifted  up  the  serpent ; 
the  law  (as  a  school-master)  brings  us  to  Christ :  Gal.  iii-.  24.  6th. 
As  all  were  saved  who  looked  upon  the  serpent  on  the  pole  ;  so 
all  are  saved  who  look  upon  Jesus  Christ,  as  having  been  lifted 
up  on  the  cross,  and  as  he  is  held  forth  on  the  pole  of  the  Gospel  : 
John  iii.  16.  7th.  If  the  serpent-bitten  Hebrews  had  not  have 
believed  in  the  remedy,  they  would  not  have  looked  unto  it ; 
neither  will  the  wounded  sinner,  unless  he  believes  :  Matt.  xiii. 
58.  The  method  of  healing  might  have  seemed  very  unlikely ; 
still  they  looked  and  lived.    Do  thou  likewise. 

Do  you  believe  on  the  name  of  the  Son  of  God,  as  the  only 
Saviour  of  lost  sinners  ?  When  this  truth  is  believed  in  the 
heart,  that  soul  has  an  earnest  of  eterual  life,  Faith  comes  by 
hearing  the  word  of  truth. 


TO  FAITH  IN  CHKIST. 


199 


"/  am  come  a  light  into  the  world,  that  whosoever  believeth  on  me  should 
not  abide  in  darkness.  " — John  xii.  46. 

THANK  God !  though  our  case  is  bad,  it  is  not  desperate  ; 
though  we  have  wandered  in  the  dark,  we  are  not  left  in  it  : 
J ohn  viii.  12.    We  have  here, 

First.  The  design  of  Christ's  mission  ;  "  I  am  come  a  Ught^^^  &c. 
He  is  the  source  and  medium  of  all  divine  knowledge,  and  came  a 
"  light  into  the  world ;  1st.  By  his  office.  He  had,  for  ages,  been 
announced  as  the  Sun  of  righteousness :  Mai.  iv.  2 ;  and  a 
"  light  to  lighten  the  Gentiles  : Isa.  xlii.  6.  He  taught  the 
most  sublime  and  important  doctrines  —  explained  the  law  and 
the  prophets  —  made  known  the  will  of  God,  John  i.  18,  the  re- 
demption  of  the  world,  and  the  way  of  salvation  :  John  iii.  16-18. 
2d.  By  his  Gospel.  Life  and  immortality  are  brought  to  light 
by  the  Gospel :  2  Tim.  i.  10.  It  discovers  the  nature,  blessings 
and  privileges  of  the  covenant  of  grace  ;  and  teaches  the  only 
way  to  holiness,  happiness  and  heaven  :  1  Cor.  i.  21.  3d.  By  his 
Spirit.  He  dissipates  darkness  and  error,  and,  as  a  Spirit  of 
wisdom,  communicates  spiritual  knowledge  and  holiness  to  them 
that  believe  :  1  Cor.  ii.  10.  Thus  Christ  is  the  true  light  of  the 
moral  world. 

Secondly.  The  principle  of  salvation  ;  "  that  whosoever  believeth 
on  me.''  1st.  The  object  of  faith  is  specified ;  "  on  me."  We 
should  believe  in  the  divinity  of  his  person  —  the  authority  of 
his  mission  —  the  efficacy  of  his  sacrifice  —  the  dignity  of  his 
offices  —  and  the  sufficiency  of  his  grace :  2  Cor.  v.  18,  19.  2d. 
The  nature  of  faith  is  implied ;  "  whosoever  believeth."  Faith  is 
represented  by  looking  to,  Isa.  xlv.  22,  receiving  from.  Matt.  xi. 
28,  and  trusting  in  Christ,  for  every  promised  blessing  :  Eph.  i. 
12,  13.  3d.  The  necessity  of  faith  is  suggested.  *^He  that 
believeth  not  is  condemned  already  : "  John  iii.  18.  But  living 
faith  in  the  Eedeemer  secures  all  the  benefits  of  redemption: 
John  iii.  36. 

Thirdly.  The  privilege  of  believers;  "they  shall  not  abide  in 
darkness.^^  1st.  They  shall  not  abide  in  mental  darkness :  1  Pet. 
ii.  9.  Their  former  darkness  is  passed  away.  2d.  They  shall  not 
abide  in  spiritual  darkness.  Faith  in  Jesus  delivers  the  soul  from 
^niilt;,  purifies  the  heart,  and  fills  it  with  peace  and  joy. 


200 


TO  CONFESSING  CHRIST. 


** He  that  covereth  his  sins  shall  not  prosper:  but  whoso  confesseth  and 
forsakefh  them  shall  find  mercy. ' '  —  Prov.  xxviii.  13. 

ny  /TEN  who  indulge  in  sins,  seldom  want  an  excuse  for  them ; 


_1ilL  and  though  they  may  be  naked  themselves,  they  will 
strive  to  find  a  covering  for  their  sins.  ''He  that  covereth  his 
sins,^^  denieth  the  Saviour ;  and  covereth  his  shame,  that  will, 
sooner  or  later,  cover  him  :  Dan.  xii.  2.  Sins  covered  cannot  be 
pardoned  ;  and,  therefore,  the  expectation  of  the  most  artful  sin- 
ner shall  assuredly  be  cut  off :  Prov.  x.  28.  Are  you  convinced 
of  your  sins  ?  is  their  burden  really  grievous  ?  If  so,  remember, 
that  hiding  a  wound  will  never  cure  it.  Go  and  "confess  your 
sins  to  that  God  against  whom  you  have  committed  them.  Con 
fess  that  you  stand  in  need  of  an  Almighty  Redeemer,  a  Divine 
Physician,  just  such  an  one  as  is  Jesus  Christ  ;  plead  his  merits; 
and  do  not  despair  of  obtaining  mercy.  But  be  sure  you  ^^/or- 
sake  "  every  sin ;  for  one  leak  will  sink  a  ship,  if  it  is  not  soon 
stopped ;  and  one  sin,  unforgiven,  would  ruin  the  soul.  Confess 
Jesus  Christ  to  be  your  only  Saviour ;  for  it  is  he  alone  that 
raises  dead  sinners,  from  the  death  of  sin,  unto  a  life  of  righteous- 
ness :  Eph.  ii.  1,  2.  Uncover  your  sins,  lay  them  all  at  his  foot- 
stool, remind  him  of  his  promise,  plead  its  fulfilment,  1  John  i. 
9,  and  you  may  depend  upon  finding  mercy  :  Isa.  Iv.  7. 

Christ  is  the  only  Fountain  open  for  sin  and  uncleanness  ;  none 
other  can  wash  away  our  guilty  stains  :  Zech.  xiii.  1 ;  and  no 
other  physician  can  heal  our  wounded  consciences.  Having  con- 
fessed, and  forsook  your  sins,  be  careful  not  to  return  to  them 
again.  And  remember,  that  whatever  else  you  may  apply  to  your 
diseased  soul,  beside  Christ,  will  do  you  no  good :  Acts  iv.  12. 
Jesus  is  the  only  remedy,  a  never-failing  remedy,  and  must  be 
applied  by  faith  :  Acts  xvi.  31.  There  is  but  one  atonement  for 
sin ;  but  one  advocate  between  God  and  sinners  ;  but  one  Jesus 
to  save  sinners  ;  but  one  Spirit  to  sanctify  sinners  ;  and  but  one 
way  of  saving  sinners.  To  be  saved  from  sin,  we  must  confess 
and  forsake  sin ;  confess  and  cleave  to  Christ  the  Saviour  of  sin- 
ners ;  plead  his  merits,  and  obey  his  commands.  Faith  inspires 
prayer ;  and  prayer  brings  courage  to  the  heart ;  P^3.  iv,  X^  8, 


TO  CONFESSING  CHRIST. 


201 


*'  Whosoever  therefore  shall  confess  me  before  men,  him  will  I  confess  alsa 
before  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven.^*  — Matt.  x.  32. 

THERE  are  many  who  confess  Christ  in  words,  who  deny  him 
in  works ;  who  know  much,  but  do  little  ;  who  talk  about 
heavenly  things  fluently,  while  they  pursue  earthly  things  eager- 
ly ;  and  have  a  fair  outside,  but  a  foul  inside.  But  all  such  wear 
their  religion  as  they  do  their  clothes  ;  all  without  and  none 
within :  Matt,  xxiii.  27,  28.  To  "  confess  Christ  before  7nen/^  we 
must,  notwithstanding  danger  and  opposition,  openly  profess  and 
adhere  to  his  truths  and  ordinances  ;  and  not  fly  from  duty  even 
to  save  life :  Matt.  x.  37-39.  We  profess  our  faith  in  Christ  by 
suffering  his  will,  as  much  as  in  doing  his  will :  Rom.  viii.  17. 
And  what  Christ  has  made  our  duty  here,  will  be  our  highest 
honor  hereafter.  ''Him  will  I  confess  also  before  my  Father  If 
we  are  not  ashamed  of  our  relation  to  him  before  men,  he  will  not 
be  ashamed  of  his  relation  to  us  before  God.  "  Him  will  I  con- 
fess as  one  of  mine ;  as  one  of  my  particular  friends  ;  as  one 
who  loved  me,  and  was  beloved  by  me.  He  confessed  me  when 
it  cost  him  hard  service  ;  and  "I  will  confess  him'^  when  it  will 
do  him  good  service :  Eom.  x.  9.  I  will  put  in  a  good  word  for 
him,  as  having  owned  my  cause  openly,  and  borne  my  cross  faith- 
fully ;  while  "  I  will  confess  him  publicly.'^  In  opposition  to  the 
pride  of  human  reason,  the  true  believer  confesses  Christ  to  be 
that  "  Word  which  was  with  God  and  was  God  : "  John  i.  1-3 ; 
and  unequivocally  acknowledges  him  to  be  the  mighty  Maker  of 
all  things  :  Col.  i.  16  ;  ''  God  manifest  in  the  flesh  :  1  Tim.  iii. 
16.  He  feels  a  lively  concern  for  the  extension  of  the  gospel  of 
Christ,  who,  in  a  scriptural  sense,  confesses  Christ ;  and  manifests 
tills  pious  zeal  by  owning,  adhering  to,  and  aiding  the  followers 
of  Christ :  J ohn  xiii.  35 ;  by  administering  affectionate  and  sea- 
sonable reproof  to  the  ungodly :  Eph.  v.  11 ;  by  exhibiting  to  the 
world  an  example  of  Christian  excellence  :  Matt.  v.  13-16 ;  and  by 
suffering  wrong,  rather  than  do  wrong :  Acts  xx.  23,  24.  If  you 
confess  Jesus  truly,  in  your  day,  he  will  confess  you  really,  in 
his  day.  This  gracious  declaration  is  a  cheering  consideration,  a 
sweet  consolation. 


202 


TO  REPENTANCE. 


"  The  Lord  your  God  is  gracious  and  merciful,  and  will  not  turn  away  his 
face  from  you,  if  you  return  unto  him/'  — 2  Chron.  xxx.  9. 

THE  world  in  which  we  live  is  one  of  sorrow,  in  consequence 
of  being  a  world  of  sin ;  and  it  is  a  cause  of  great  grief,  that 
we  see  so  little  sorrow  for  sin  in  the  world :  2  Cor.  vii.  10.  Sin 
blinds  the  eyes  to  the  love  of  God,  and  hardens  the  heart  against 
his  fear ;  it  makes  the  spirit  become  stout  and  rebellious ;  and 
causes  the  sinner  to  shake  off  convictions  as  a  sheep  does  the  rain. 
Are  you  led  to  discover  the  exceeding  sinfulness  of  your  sins  ?  — 
If  so,  it  is  because  "  TJie  Lord  your  God  is  gracious :  for  it  is  He, 
who,  by  his  word  and  Spirit,  hath  convinced  you  of  your  sins  : 
John  xvi.  8.  He  has  also  appointed  the  means  of  your  salvation 
from  sin ;  and  requires  and  encourages  your  repentance :  Joel  ii. 
13.  Beware  of  those,  who,  by  their  laughing  or  frowning,  would 
put  you  out  of  the  way  of  salvation  :  Prov.  xiv.  9.  Bear  in  mind 
that  your  sins  were  committed  by  a  poor,  ungrateful  worm,  against 
the  infinitely  good,  omnipotent  King  of  heaven ;  and  that  it  is  he 
who  breaks  the  heart  for  sin :  and  follow  the  example  of  the  noble 
Bereans :  Acts  xvii.  11.  Look  in  that  correct  glass,  and  you  will 
there  see  the  awful,  but  true,  picture  of  every  man,  as  he  is  in  a 
state  of  nature;  and  also  of  those  who  have  been  changed  by 
divine  grace.  But  do  not  let  a  sight  of  your  alarming  condition 
by  nature  and  practice,  sink  you  into  despair  ;  for  "  He  is  gracious 
and  mercifid: He  delights  in  pardoning  penitent  sinners  ;  ''and 
ivill  not  turn  aivay  his  face  from  youJ^  You  have  long  turned  your 
back  upon  him ;  but  he  will  not  turn  his  back  upon  you  ;  no ;  for 
he  has  wounded,  and  he  will  heal,  ''  if  you  return  unto  him : "  Hos. 
vi.  1.  Look  to  him  who  bore  our  sins  in  his  own  body  on  the 
tree ;  by  whose  stripes  we  are  healed :  1  Pet.  ii.  24. 

Look  upon  him  whose  pitying  look  broke  unfaithful  Peter's 
heart :  Luke  xxii.  61.  Turn  your  eye  toward  the  reeking  cross 
on  which  your  Saviour  hung,  with  your  sins  in  his  body ;  view 
him  sweating,  groaning,  bleeding,  dying,  and  praying  for  you ; 
and  then  say,  can  you  doubt  his  willingness  to  save  you  ?  Ps.  li. 
17.    He  did  not  turn  away  his  face  from  the  dying  penitent. 


TO  BEPENTANCE. 


203 


"  Repent  ye  therefore,  and  be  converted,  that  your  sins  may  be  blotted  out.'* 
—  Acts  iii.  19. 

OINS  unrepented  of,  are  sins  unforgiven;  but  sins  pardoned 


are  sins  blotted  out :  Is  a.  xliv.  22.  Eepentance  and  conver- 
sion are  now,  by  many,  considered  to  be  very  unfashionable  doc- 
trines, which  no  minister,  mindful  of  his  reputation,  will  care  to 
preach ;  nor  any  one  desirous  of  living  in  ease  and  security  will 
be  disposed  to  hear.  However,  it  was  the  uniform  practice  of  the 
first  ministers  of  the  gospel,  to  give  them  a  prominent  place  in 
all  their  discourses,  whether  men  would  bear  it  or  not.  So  it  was 
with  Paul :  Acts  xx.  21 ;  and  such  was  the  conduct  of  Peter,  on 
the  day  of  Pentecost :  Acts^  ii.  38 ;  and  again  in  the  words  before 
us.  Observe, 

1st.  The  change  prescribed  as  necessary  to  pardon.  Repent- 
ance, from  its  very  nature,  supposeth  past  misconduct ;  for  where 
there  has  been  no  misconduct,  repentance  is  not  only  unnecessary, 
but  impossible.  All  have  sinned ;  and  all  are  called  upon  to  re- 
pent :  Eom.  V.  12.  "Repent  ye  therefore ;  for  ye  have  no  right 
to  expect  the  pardon  of  your  sins,  without  repenting  of  them : 
Luke  xiii.  3,  5.  Sorrow  for  sin  is  a  happy  sorrow ;  it  produces  a 
hatred  to  sin ;  worketh  unto  life  ;  and  without  it  we  have  nothing 
to  expect  but  death :  Eom.  vi.  23.  Look  upon  your  sins  as  those 
rebels  that  have  broken  God's  law ;  murdered  his  only  begotten 
Son ;  and  ruined  your  precious  soul.  Do  not  rest  satisfied  with 
the  mere  hope  of  doing  better  for  the  time  to  come ;  but  earnestly 
entreat  the  Searcher  of  all  hearts  to  light  up  the  candle  of  his 
grace  in  your  soul ;  that  you  may  clearly  see  what  you  really  are  j 
for  it  is  only  by  that  light  we  can  discover  our  own  darkness : 
Eph.  V.  13,  14.  There  are  many  grievous  things  standing  in 
God's  account-book  against  all  unconverted  sinners. 

2d.  The  arguments  employed  to  induce  men  to  repent :  ^-  thai 
ye  maybe  converted ;  turn  right  about,  from  sin  to  holiness; 
turn  unto  the  Lord,  study  his  word,  call  upon  his  name,  &c., 
''  that  your  sins  may  he  blotted  out  of  the  book  of  God's  remem- 
brance :  2  Cor.  V.  17.  Christ  is  now  watching  and  waiting  ior. 
your  repentance,  and  praying  for  your  conversion. 


TO  CONFESSING  OF  SIN. 


*'/  saidf  I  will  confess  my  transgression  unto  the  Lord ;  and  thou  forgavesi 
the  iniquity  of  my  sin.*'  —  Ps.  xxxii.  5. 

nn\  AVID  suffered  himself  to  be  put  to  the  rack  before  he  would 


-L^'  acknowledge  his  sins :  ver.  3^  4 ;  he  held  out  to  the  last 
extremity,  before  he  would  surrender.  But  when  he  did  yield, 
he  found  that  God  was  more  ready  to  forgive,  than  he  was  to  con- 
fess his  sins  :  Jer.  iii.  12,  13.  /  said,  I  will  confess  my  trans- 
gression;^^  I  said  it,  and  resolved  to  do  it :  I  had  sinned,  both 
publicly  and  privately,  and  1  determined  to  confess  it  fully.  I 
had  long  tried  to  conceal  my  sins,  until  my  conscience  became  so 
laden  with  guilt,  and  armed  with  vengeance,  I  could  take  no 
rest ;  and  then,  "  I  said,  I  will  confess  my  trangression  unto  the 
Lord;  "  who  can  either  pardon  or  punish  me  for  my  sins.  When, 
lo !  I  had  no  sooner  made  an  honest  confession,  than  "  thou  for- 
gavest  the  hdquity  of  my  sin;'^  and  gavest  me  the  comfortable 
assurance  that  all  my  sins  were  pardoned :  Ps.  ciii.  12. 

There  is  a  willingness  on  the  part  of  man  to  commit,  a  readiness 
on  the  part  of  God  to  forgive,  and  a  reluctancy  on  the  part  of  the 
sinner  to  confess,  sin  :  Lev.  xxvi.  40-42.  Take  encouragement, 
and  confess  your  sins ;  for  nothing  can  harm  you  but  your  sins : 
and  they;  like  so  many  stings  of  death,  will  be  ever  wounding  and 
depriving  your  soul  of  ease,  until  you  make  a  free  and  ingenuous 
confession  of  them:  Job  xxxiii.  27,  28.  Guilt  is  the  sting  of  sin; 
and  will  never  allow  you  a  moment's  real  peace,  until  it  is  ex- 
tracted ;  but,  like  a  never-dying  worm,  will  eat  away  all  your  hap- 
piness, here  and  hereafter. 

Lose  not  another  minute,  but  go  to  God,  and  humbly  confess 
your  sins,  in  faithful,  fervent  prayer :  Prov.  xxviii.  13.  David 
had  no  rest  while  he  concealed  his  sins ;  for  even  his  silence 
made  him  roar  all  the  day  long,  as  though  he  had  been  under 
some  great  bodily  pain ;  when  the  truth  was,  it  was  the  disquie- 
tude of  his  soul,  the  struggles  he  felt  within  his  own  bosom,  that 
was  the  cause  of  all  his  uneasiness.  But  when  he  made  the 
resolve  to  cover  his  sins  no  longer,  and  honestly  acknowledged 
them  "unto  the  Lord,"  his  roaring  was  soon  turned  into  blessing 
and  praising  :  Ps.  ciii.  1-3. 


TO  CONFESSING  OF  SIN. 


205 


"  The  son  said  unto  him,  Father,  I  have  sinned  against  heaven,  and  in  thy 
sight,  and  am  no  more  worthy  to  be  called  thy  son.  But  the  father  said  to  his 
servants,  Bring  forth  the  best  robe,  and  put  it  on  him,  and  put  a  ring  on  his 
hand,  and  shoes  on  his  feet."  —  Luke  xv.  21,  22. 

THE  prodigal's  rambling  from  his  father's  house,  shows  the 
sinner's  wandering  from  his  God.  Sinning  is  a  departing 
from  God ;  and  every  sin  we  commit  is  a  long  step  taken  from 
him.  Those  who  are  slaves  to  their  lusts,  the  world,  or  the  devil, 
are  not  long  in  wasting  their  precious  substance ;  and  then  find 
themselves  in  wretchedness  and  want :  Eccl.  ix.  18.  But  even 
then,  rather  than  return  to  God,  from  whom  they  have  so  shame- 
fully departed,  they  will  hire  themselves  to  do  the  most  degrad- 
ing drudgery  the  world  or  the  devil  can  find  them  to  do:  ver. 
15.  But  the  prodigal's  reception,  on  his  return  to  his  father, 
shows  the  willingness  of  God  to  forgive  all  those  who  confess 
their  sins.  "  The  son  said  unto  liim,  Father,  I  have  sinned; ''  he 
had  made  up  his  mind  to  say  so,  before  he  left  the  swine-trough ; 
and  is  now  making  good  his  promise  :  ver.  18.  Though  his  kind 
old  father  would  not  allow  him  to  say  so,  before  he  ran  to  him  — 
fell  on  his  neck — and  kissed  him;  still,  while  his  father's  arms 
were  entwined  around  his  neck,  he  proceeds  as  far  as,  ''against 
Heaven,  and  in  thy  sight,  and  am  no  more  worthy  to  he  called  thy 
son  "  — here  the  old  man  kissed  away  his  words,  and  prevented 
him  asking  a  servant's  place,  as  he  had  promised :  ver.  19.  The 
father  saw  him  with  eyes  of  love  ;  ran  to  him  with  feet  of  love ; 
embraced  him  in  the  arms  of  love,  and  pressed  his  lips  with  lips 
of  love  —  and  all  to  show  the  willingness  of  God  to  forgive  re- 
turning sinners  !  And  who  can  doubt  his  willingness,  after  know- 
ing what  the  father  said  to  his  returning  son?  He  does  not 
spurn  him  on  account  of  his  rags  and  wretchedness  ;  no,  "but  tJie 
father  said.  Bring  forth  tJie  best  robe  "  that  there  is  in  the  house  ; 
take  off  his  tattered  garments,  "  and  put  it  on  him.^'  It  is  not 
enough  that  you  clothe  him ;  but  robe  him ;  "  and  put  a  ring  on 
his  hand,^^  that  he  might  be  known  to  be  one  of  the  family :  and 
attend  to  his  poor,  dusty,  sore  feet ;  see  that  they  are  washed 
and  made  comfortable ;  for  he  is  my  son  that  has  been  so  long 
lost  5  the  one  we  considered  as  dead ;  but  here  he  is  alive. 


206 


TO  OBEDIENCE. 


"  Be  strong  therefore,  and  let  not  your  hands  be  weak;  for  your  work  shah 
be  rewarded.''  —  2  Chron.  xv.  7. 

EVEN  Satan  himself,  when  he  is  disposed  to  speak  the  truth, 
is  constrained  to  acknowledge,  that  no  one  serves  God  for 
naught :  Job  i.  9.  God  does  not  bring  his  children  up  in  idle- 
ness ;  for  though  they  are  heirs  of  heaven,  they  must  be  all  work- 
ers on  earth :  Matt.  vii.  21.  We  must  obey  as  well  as  believe : 
for  though,  as  Christians,  we  do  not  work  to  live,  we  live  to  work. 

Be  strong  tlierefore,'^  in  the  Lord,  and  in  the  power  of  his  might: 
Eph.  vi.  10.  "  Let  not  your  hands  he  iveak  "  through  fear.  Never 
give  place  to  fear ;  for  that  will  be  sure  to  weaken  your  hands : 
but  the  more  you  strive  against  fear,  the  stronger  you  will  be ; 
and  the  better  you  will  be  prepared  for  doing  and  suffering  the 
will  of  God:  Ps.  xxvii.  1.  Yon  are  not  called  upon  to  labor 
without  a  prospect  of  reward  ;  "/or  your  ivork  shall  he  rewarded.'^^ 
God  will  never  suffer  any  of  his  servants  to  be  losers  by  serving 
him ;  whenever,  or  whatever,  he  commands,  it  is  your  business  to 
obey ;  "  forasmuch  as  ye  know  that  your  labor  is  not  in  vain  in 
the  Lord : 1  Cor.  xv.  58.  The  Lord  will  never  appoint  you 
anything  to  do,  that  he  will  not  give  you  strength  to  perform  ; 
but  he  does  reasonably  expect  that  we  should  do  all  we  can :  Phil, 
iv.  13.  He  is  our  Creator,  Preserver,  and  Eedeemer,  and  surely 
we  ought  to  obey  him :  Mai.  i.  6.  He  is  gracious  and  merciful; 
and  not  only  a  Master,  but  a  Father,  and  friend  of  all  his  humble 
and  obedient  servants ;  and  hence,  though  we  can  merit  no  good 
thing  by  our  longest  and  best  services,  he  is  graciously  pleased  to 
accept  of  our  services  on  his  Son's  account ;  and  promises  to  each 
who  serve  him,  "  your  work  shall  be  rewarded.'^ 

Obedience,  not  in  a  legal,  but  in  an  evangelical  sense,  is  the 
narrow  way  that  leads  to  eternal  happiness.  Observe,  1st.  Our 
obedience  must  proceed  from  faith ;  for  this  is  the  main  principle 
of  the  Christian  life :  2  Cor.  v.  7.  2d.  It  must  flow  from  the 
principle  of  love ;  for  "  this  is  the  love  of  God,  that  we  keep  his 
commandments :  1  John  v.  3.  3d.  It  must  be  impartial  and 
without  reserve ;  having  a  due  regard  to  all  his  commandments :  " 
Ps.  cxix.  6.  Exercise  piety  towards  God  and  charity  towards 
men. 


TO  OBEDIENCE. 


207 


"Not  every  one  that  saith  unto  me,  Lord,  Lord,  shall  enter  Into  the  king' 
dom  of  heaven  ;  but  he  that  doeth  the  will  of  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven,''  — 
Matt.  vii.  21. 

JESUS  CHEIST  looks  upon  men  according  to  what  they  are ; 
and  not  according  to  what  they  say.  It  will  benefit  us  noth- 
ing to  profess  piety,  if  we  practise  iniquity  :  John  xiii.  17.  Not 
every  one  that  saith  unto  me,  Lord^  Lord^''  with  their  lips,  but 
deny  me  in  their  hearts  and  lives,  "  shall  enter  into  the  kingdom 
of  heaven^  Compliments  may  do  for  men,  but  will  never  do  for 
Christ ;  for  his  religion  is  in  power ;  and  not  in  mere  forms  and 
words  :  1  Cor.  iv.  20.  If  Christianity  is  not  a  good  thing,  why 
do  we  profess  it?  and  if  it  is  a  good  thing,  let  us  practise  it. 
Let  us  either  obey  Christ,  or  cease  to  call  him  LordJ^  Not- 
withstanding Jesus  Christ  is  really  and  truly  Lord  :  John  xiii. 
13 ;  he  will  not  be  put  off  with  a  mere  acknowledgment  of  it  with' 
the  lips,  without  obedience  in  our  lives :  Matt,  xv.-^,  8.  He  is 
the  Lord  of  glory,  and  expects  us  to  have  regard  to  his  glory, 
as  well  as  our  own.  He  that  goes  no  farther  in  religion,  than 
"Lord,  Lord,"  Avill  stop  short  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven.'^ 
Men  may  be  well  acquainted  with  the  forms  of  religion,  who  are 
entire  strangers  to  the  power  of  the  same.  If  we  do  the  will  of 
Christ,  we  do  "the  will  of  his  Father  which  is  in  heaven for  the 
will  of  the  Father  is  the  will  of  the  Son ;  and  his  Father  is  our 
Father,  if  we  are  born  of  him  :  John  i.  12,  13.  And  if  we  do  his 
will  on  earth,  we  shall  reign  with  him  in  heaven.  But  in  vain 
do  we  talk  about  faith  in  Christ,  unless  we  obey  his  commands  : 
John  XV.  14.  A  living  faith  is  a  working  one  :  Gal.  v.  6.  A  holy 
heart  will  produce  a  holy  life  :  Jer.  vii.  23. 

We  are  such  debtors  to  God,  we  can  never  pay  him  all  we  owe ; 
and  surely  we  ought  to  do  the  little  we  can.  He  does  not  demand 
a  perfect  obedience ;  he  only  requires  a  willing  obedience  :  Isa. 
i.  19.  The  servants  of  God  are  all  known  by  their  obedience  to 
the  will  of  God.  There  are  many  who  know  God's  will,  but 
do  their  own  will ;  and  who,  while  they  have  a  head  full  of  reli- 
gion, have  a  heart  full  of  the  world  :  1  John  ii.  15.  A  Christian 
is  born  for  heaven,  and  bound  to  heaven;  -he  is  now  a  subject  of 
the  "kingdom  of  heaven.'^ 


208 


TO  SINCERITY  AND  UPRIGHTNESS. 


"  The  prayer  of  the  upright  is  his  delight.''  —  Prov.  xv.  8. 

OD  is  so  displeased  with  sin,  that  he  cannot  be  pleased  with 
VJ  anything  the  unconverted  do ;  neither  will  he  accept  of  any- 
thing at  their  hands ;  and  while  they  love  sinning,  he  will  pay  no 
regard  to  their  praying :  Ps.  Ixvi.  18.  But  the  prayer  of  the 
upright  is  his  delight. The  Lord  has  such  a  peculiar  regard  for 
^^tlie  upright/'  that  is,  those  who  are  honest,  candid,  and  sincere, 
without  any  allowed  guile,  that  their  prayer  is  not  only  accepted 
of  him,  but  a  delight  unto  him  :  1  Chron.  xxix.  17.  He  is  so  well 
pleased  with  them  in  his  Son,  that  he  gives  them  praying  graces, 
works  in  them  by  his  Spirit,  stirs  them  up  to  pray,  accepts  of 
their  requests,  and  delights  in  doing  them  good :  Jer.  ix.  24. 
The  enemy  of  souls  will  do  all  he  can  to  keep  ^^the  upright'' 
from  praying  ;  and  when  he  cannot  succeed  in  that,  he  will  strive 
to  persuade  them  that  their  prayers  were  so  cold  and  formal,  and 
their  minds  so  wandering,  while  in  prayer,  that  God  has  not  heard 
them ;  and  therefore,  to  expect  an  answer  to  them  is  altogether 
useless  :  Isa.  xlix.  14.  Do  not  be  discouraged,  though  you  may 
see  much  amiss  in  yourselves;  but  remember,  it  is  the  sincerity 
of  the  heart,  and  not  its  wanderings,  that  God  looks  at,  and  is 
pleased  with :  Ps.  xi.  7.  Persevere,  watch,  and  pray ;  and  you 
will  shortly  find  to  your  comfort  that  God  has  heard  your  prayer, 
by  his  giving  you  a  gracious  answer,  a  fresh  token  of  his  favor, 
and  abundantly  blessing  your  soul :  Ps.  Ixvi.  19.  God  has  not 
only  given  you  leave  to  pray,  but  a  command  to  pray  ;  yea,  and  a 
heart  to  pray.  And  if  you  but  live  uprightly  before  him,  you 
have  nothing  to  fear  while  you  can  pray  :  Micah  ii.  7. 

Your  enemies.  Christian,  are  all  conquered ;  though  experience 
gives  you  daily  proof  they  are  not  all  dead.  Fold  not  your  hands ; 
you  are  still  in  the  camp ;  and  the  enemy  watches  every  oppor- 
tunity to  take  all  advantage  :  1  Pet.  v.  8.  Guard  against  vain 
confidence  in  yourself ;  have  faith  in  God ;  hope  in  him ;  and 
pray  to  him ;  for  the  prayer  of  the  upright  is  his  delight." 
A  prayerless  soul  is  an  unhappy  soul ;  because  it  is  a  Christless 
soul.  None  have  free  access  to  God,  who  live  far  from  God ;  do 
you  therefore  live  near  to  him;  and  cultivate  an  acquaintance 
with  him  :  Prov.  xi.  20. 


TO  SINCERITY  AND  UPRIGHTNESS. 


209 


"Happy  is  he  that  condemn  eth  not  himself  in  that  thing  which  he  alloweth.'' 
—  Rom.  xiv.  22. 

MEN,  in  general,  have  very  weak  eyes  when  they  look  upon 
their  own  faults ;  but  very  strong  ones  when  they  look 
upon  the  failings  of  others :  Matt.  vii.  3.  Some  men  are  in  the 
practice  of  doing  what  their  judgment  and  conscience  condemn 
them  for  doing;  and  they  will  even  plead  for  the  doing  of  it, 
either  because  it  is  customary,  creditable,  pleasurable,  or  prof- 
itable; while  their  own  hearts  tell  them  it  is  condemnable. 
"  Happy  is  he  that  condemneth  not  himself, by  exposing  himself 
to  the  lashings,  and  upbraidings,  of  his  own  conscience ;  by 
doing  that  which  he  knows  is  not  lawful  for  him  to  do.  "  Happy 
is  he,''  and  he  alone,  who  has  the  evidence  within,  that  what  he 
does  well  pleases  God :  2  Cor.  i.  12.  If  a  man  has  not  peace 
within,  in  vain  does  he  seek  it  without ;  and  it  is  impossible  for 
any  man  to  have  peace  of  conscience,  who  sins  against  conscience  : 
1  John  iii.  20.  Every  one  ought  to  be  fully  persuaded  in  his 
own  mind,  that  "  that  thing  which  he  alloiveth ''  is  lawful  for  him 
to  do ;  for  without  such  persuasion,  to  him  it  is  sin :  Eom.  xiv. 
23.  We  should  never  suffer  false  shame,  nor  an  unbridled  appe- 
tite, to  bring  us  to  a  base  compliance  in  anything  we  believe  to 
be  wrong. 

The  gospel  requires  us  to  be  sincere,  upright,  and  self-denying ; 
and  whatever  we  do  contrary  to  the  gospel,  must  be  sin :  Heb. 
xi.  6.  We  must  never  try  to  offend  men  ;  but  ever  try  to  please 
God ;  and  if  men  will  be  offended  at  us  for  doing  what  God  com- 
mands, let  them  be  offended.  For  whoever  lives  in  the  neglect 
of  known  duties,  and  in  the  practice  of  known  iniquities,  God 
will  look  upon  as  his  enemies,  and  treat  them  as  such.  It  is  by 
the  constant  course  and  tenor  of  our  life,  that  we  may  judge 
ourselves,  and  not  by  a  single  act.  Wherever  the  Lord  finds  an 
upright  man,  he  will  be  found  an  upright  God.  Serve  the  Lord 
with  a  clean  heart,  and  then  3^ou  will  delight  in  his  pure  words : 
1  Pet.  ii.  2.  Make  conscience  of  doing  your  duty,  as  far  as  you 
know  it,  towards  God  and  man ;  let  your  principles  be  fixed ; 
and  then  your  rule  is  certain,  ^^our  way  plain,  and  your  sincerity 
will  keep  you  steady,  whatever  wind  may  blow :  Ps.  xxv.  21. 


210 


TO  THE  LOVE  OF  GOD. 


"He  is  God,  the  faithful  God,  which  keepeth  covenant  and  mercy  with  them 
that  love  him.''  — Deut.  vii.  9. 

SIN  and  Satan,  with  legions  of  lusts,  are  in  the  possession  of 
every  unrenewed  heart ;  but  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  implanted,  and  reigning  in  the  heart,  will  subdue,  pull 
down,  and  ultimately  destroy  them :  Eom.  vi.  14.  But  if  we 
would  obtain  a  full  accomplishment  of  the  promises  of  God,  we 
must  know  by  experience,  that  ^'  He  is  our  God ;  and  that 
we  dwell  in  him,  and  he  in  us:  1  John  iv.  16.  "He  is  God;^^ 
all  other  gods  are  but  imaginary  and  deceitful ;  and  will  not  be 
able  to  afford  us  any  help  in  time  of  need.  The  Christian's  God 
is  a  ''faithful  God; both  able  and  willing  to  make  good  all  his 
engagements ;  and  will  answer  all  demands  made  upon  him  by 
them,  agreeably  to  his  promises  :  John  xv.  7.  "  He  keepeth  cove- 
nant and  mercy  that  is  to  say,  he  will  make  known  to  them 
his  mercy,  according  to  the  covenant  he  has  made.  And  lest 
any  should  presume  on  his  mercy,  it  is  stated  to  whom  he  will 
show  it;  namely,  "to  them  that  love  him:^^  Ps.  xxxvii.  4.  God 
is  good  to  all,  even  to  his  enemies ;  but  he  is  never  said  to  de- 
light in  any  but  them  that  love  him  :  Prov.  viii.  17.  It  will  be 
in  vain  for  any  one  to  hope  to  be  benefited  by  his  promises,  who 
does  not  love  him  well  enough  to  keep  his  commandments :  John 
XV.  14. 

You  have  only  to  know  that  you  love  God ;  and  then  you  may 
make  yourself  perfectly  easy  about  everything  else.  There  are 
none  who  love  not  God,  but  those  who  know  him  not ;  for  Vv^ho- 
ever  knows  him,  sees  it  right  that  all  should  love  him.  Is  it  not 
right  to  love  a  Being  to  whom  we  are  indebted  for  that  very 
principle,  which  renders  us  capable  of  loving  ?  Ought  we  not 
to  love  a  Being  who  possesses  in  himself  every  perfection  ?  Can 
love  allure  ?  He  so  loved  us,  as  to  give  his  only  begotten  Son 
to  die  for  us  :  1  John  iv.  9,  10.  Can  wisdom  charm  ?  By  his 
wisdom  he  founded  the  earth,  and  established  the  heavens  :  Prov. 
iii.  19.  Can  power  awe  us  ?  He  is  God  Almighty  :  Gen.  xxxv. 
11.  Is  it  not  right  to  love  a  Being  whose  approbation  will  secure 
to  us  all  that  is  desirable  in  time  and  eternity  ?  Ps.  Ixxxiv.  11, 
To  love  God  is  advantageous  in  the  highest  degree, 


TO  THE  LOVE  OF  GOD. 


211 


"  If  any  man  love  God,  the  same  Is  known  of  him. —  1  Cor.  viii.  3. 

THOSE  who  are  the  greatest  lovers  of  themselves,  are  the 
greatest  enemies  to  themselves ;  and  after  ever  learning, 
they  die  fools :  2  Tim.  iii.  2-7.  A  man  may  know  much  of  God, 
and  yet  not  love  Him :  but  all  who  truly  love  him,  are  beloved  of 
him.  Love,  like  faith,  is  known  by  its  fruits  ;  for,  ''If  any  man 
love  God^^^  he  will  keep  his  commandments :  2  John  6.  A  heart 
influenced  by  the  love  of  God,  will  esteem,  desire,  and  delight  in 
God  in  Christ,  as  his  chief  good,  and  sum  of  all  perfection  and 
excellence ;  and  take  pleasure  in  obeying  his  laws ;  and  delight  m 
holding  spiritual  fellowship  with  all  who  bear  his  image ;  while 
he  will  do  good  unto  all  men ;  even  his  enemies :  1  John  iv.  20. 
Love  to  God  renders  its  possessor  patient  under  trouble,  slow  to 
anger,  ready  to  forgive  injuries ;  teaches  him  to  deny  himself,  to 
mourn  over  the  afflictions  of  others,  to  bear  with  their  infirmities ; 
makes  a  heaven  below,  and  prepares  for  a  heaven  above :  Gal.  v. 
22-25.  "  If  any  man  love  God,"  he  will,  not  only  do  others  no 
harm,  but  will  do  them  every  possible  good:  1  John  iii.  17. 
They  who  love  God,  in  the  general,  -are  little  and  unknown, 
among  men ;  but,  let  this  comfort  your  heart,  the  Lord  knoweth 
them :  2  Tim.  ii.  19.  matter  who  he  is,  or  what  he  is,  "  If 
any  man  love  God,  tlie  same  is  known  of  liimy  He  knows  their 
ways  and  works :  Ps.  i.  6 ;  He  knows  their  hearts :  Jer.  xii.  3 ; 
He  knows  all  their  secret  devotions :  Matt.  vi.  6 ;  He  knows  their 
troubles,  and  how  to  deliver  them :  2  Pet.  ii.  9 ;  He  knoweth  all 
them  that  love  him ;  and  is  a  strong  hold  in  the  day  of  trouble 
unto  them:  Nahum  i.  7.  ^^If  any  man  love  God,"  he  shall 
be  taught  of  Him :  John  vi.  45.  All  who  love  the  world,  are 
strangers  to  the  love  of  God :  1  John  ii.  15 ;  and  consequently, 
are  not  "  known  of  him,"  nor  approved  of  by  him.  If  you  love 
God,  it  is  an  undeniable  proof  that  He  loves  you :  1  John  iv.  19. 
And  though  you  may  never  be  worth  a  crown  in  life,  you  are  heir 
to  a  crown  of  life :  2  Tim.  iv.  8.  God  often  smiles,  while  his 
providence  frowns :  Gen.  xlii.  36.  You  should  never  attempt  to 
measure  God's  love  to  you  by  your  love  to  him.  ''  God  is  love;'^ 
even  when  you  may  feel  emptied  of  love :  1  John  iv.  16. 


212 


TO  THE  LOVE  OF  CHBIST. 


"/  love  them  that  love  we."  —  Prov.  viii.  17, 
*HAT  a  pity  it  is^  that  men  should  love  their  sins,  and  say 


V  V  they  love  Christ,  while  in  works  they  deny  him !  Titus 
i.  16.  Those  who  make  religion  their  chief  good,  may  depend 
upon  having  every  good  thing  with  their  religion :  Ps.  xxxiv.  9. 
Christ  is  a  believer's  all;  and  therefore,  he  loves  Christ  more 
than  all :  Phil.  iii.  7,  8.  Worldlings  hate  them  that  love  Christ ; 
but  that  does  not  discourage  them,  since  he  declares,  "  I  love  them 
that  love  me^  0,  Christian !  under  the  heaviest  of  your  afflic- 
tions, let  this  be  the  greatest  of  your  consolations :  your  love 
is  not  lost;  neither  ha3  the  object  of  your  love  forgotten  you. 
Suffer  not  unbelief,  which  is  so  injurious  to  Christ,  and  so  per- 
nicious to  you,  to  hide  his  love  from  you ;  and  never  forget,  that 
it  was  his  love  to  you  drew  your  love  to  him :  Hos.  xi.  4.  If 
you  love  him  in  sincerity,  be  assured  of  it,  he  loves  you  in  reality. 
The  love  of  some  is  like  a  painted  fire ;  it  may  look  like  it,  but 
has  no  warmth  in  it.  Many  love  for  what  they  can  get;  but 
Christ  loves  for  what  he  can  give. 

Could  the  sun  be  hindered  from  rising,  that  could  not  prevent 
Christ,  the  Sun  of  righteousness,  from  rising  and  shining  upon 
his  lovers  ;  Mai.  iv.  2.  You  may  sometimes  be  brought  into 
doubts,  and  thick  clouds  may  hide  your  Saviour  from  you  for 
awhile ;  and  while  you  mourn  his  absence,  you  may  be  ready  to 
conclude  that  you  do  not  love  him,  or  you  could  not  feel  so ;  but 
that  is  only  a  temptation ;  for  if  you  did  not  love  him,  you  would 
not  long  to  see  him.  To  a  believer  in  Christ,  there  is  nothing  so 
desirable  as  Christ;  for  in  possessing  him,  we  possess  all  that 
is  desirable  in  him:  1  Cor.  iii.  22,  23.  Beauty,  bounty,  riches, 
honors,  peace,  health,  life,  happiness,  heaven,  and  every  other 
good  thing  we  have  in  Christ :  Prov.  viii.  18,  19.  All  the  treas- 
ures of  the  East,  the  gold  of  the  West,  the  pearls  of  the  North, 
and  the  spices  of  the  South,  are  altogether  worthless,  when  com- 
pared with  Christ.  All,  all  that  is  lovely,  centres  in  him. 
Christ  possesses  the  glory  of  the  Father,  the  holiness  of  Angels, 
the  comeliness  of  Saints,  the  treasures  of  Heaven,  the  fulness  of 
God:  Col.  ii.  9.  ^^It  pleased  the  Father  that  in  him  (Christ) 
should  all  fulness  dwell :    Col.  i.  19. 


TO  THE  LOVE  OF  CHKIST. 


213 


"He  that  loveth  me  shall  be  loved  of  my  Father,  and  I  will  love  him,  and 
will  manifest  myself  to  him.''  — John  xiv.  21. 

C HEIST  lived  to  teacli  us  how  to  lire ;  and  died  to  teach  us 
how  to  love.  If  we  have  the  honor  to  be  the  disciples  of 
Christ,  we  must  labor  to  keep  the  commands  of  Christ ;  it  is  not 
enough  that  we  read  them  —  hear  them  —  know  them  —  we  are 
expected  to  do  them :  J ohn  xv.  14.  Think,  Christian,  of  the  love- 
liness, the  comeliness,  the  richness,  the  preciousness,  the  good- 
ness, the  beauty,  the  majesty,  the  excellency  of  Christ !  and, 
then  listen  to  his  charming  voice.  "  He  that  loveth  me  shall  he 
loved  of  my  Father^  God  will  love  him  as  a  Father ;  and  Christ 
will  love  him  as  an  elder  brother.  He  shall  have  his  Maker's 
love  and  his  Saviour's  love ;  and  both  these  loves  are  the  comfort 
and  crown,  the  grace  and  glory,  of  all  that  sincerely  love  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Such  is  the  great  love  the  Father  bears  to 
the  Son,  that  he  loves  all  who  love  him :  2  Tim.  iv.  8.  Precious 
Saviour  !  How  he  labors  to  gain  our  love  !  He  offers  two  loves 
for  one ;  "  he  that  loveth  me  shall  be  loved  of  my  Father,  and  1 
ivill  love  him;^^  and  he  shall  have  the  fruit  and  benefit  of  my 
love;  for  "  I  loill  mmiifest  myself  to  him;^^  so  that  he  shall  have 
a  sense  of  my  love.  Christ  manifests  himself  to  those  that  love 
him,  as  he  does  not  unto  the  world ;  by  enlightening  their  minds 
to  know  that  he  loves  them ;  by  strengthening  their  graces,  and 
brightening  up  their  evidence  of  an  interest  in  his  love.  Hp. 
loves  them  so  well,  and  is  so  tender  of  them,  that  every  injury 
done  to  them  seems  to  go  to  his  heart :  Acts  ix.  4. 

Consider  what  the  "  Father "  hath  done  in  order  to  secure  our 
love  to  his  Son.  He  loved  us  when  we  were  his  enemies,  and 
had  no  disposition  to  love  him ;  and  gave  full  proof  of  his  love 
towards  us,  in  sending  his  Son  to  save  us :  1  John  iv.  10.  Call 
to  mind  what  Christ  has  done  for  us,  and  the  great  obligations  he 
has  laid  us  under  to  love  him  —  bear  in  mind  what  he  is  still 
doing  for  us ;  and  then  say,  does  he  not  deserve  our  love  —  our 
all  ?  Christ's  love  extends  to  all  them  that  love  him ;  his  love, 
like  the  sun's  rays,  reacheth  East  and  West,  IS'ortli  and  South,  on 
bond  and  free,  rich  and  poor,  high  and  low.  He  loves  at  all 
times,  under  all  circumstances. 


214 


TO  TRUSTING  IN  GOD. 


"  Trust  ye  in  the  Lord  forever;  for  in  the  Lord  JEHOVAH  is  everlasting 

strength/'  —  Isa.  xxvi.  4. 

MAJST,  born  to  trouble  as  the  sparks  fly  upward,  and  sur- 
rounded with  infirmity,  finds  his  need  of  foreign  help; 
but  unhappily  he  seeks  it  where  it  is  not  to  be  found ;  and  re- 
poses on  the  creature.  Attend, 

1st.  To  the  exhortation  given:  'Hrust  in  the  Lord  forever  To 
trust  in  the  Lord,  is,  to  confidently  expect  that  he  will  do  for  us, 
in  time  and  in  eternity,  whatever  he  has  promised  in  his  word : 
Ps.  Ixii.  8.  And  it  is  the  character  and  comfort  of  the  people  of 
God,  that  they  endeavor  at  all  times,  and  under  all  circumstances, 
to  put  their  trust  in  the  Lord ;  so  that  whatever  befalls  them,  or 
whoever  threatens  them,  they  are  enabled  to  say,  "  None  of  these 
things  move  me :  Acts  xx.  24.  Whatever  others  may  trust  in, 
let  it  be  your  steady  resolve  to  trust  in  the  Lord ;  for  whoever 
will  deal  with  him  must  do  it  on  credit :  Prov,  xvi.  20.  Trust 
ye  in  the  Lord  forever in  storms,  and  in  calms;  in  adversity, 
and  prosperity;  in  reproach,  and  in  honor;  in  sickness,  and 
health ;  in  life,  and  in  death.  Depend  on  his  wisdom  for  direc- 
tion; on  his  power  for  protection;  on  his  grace  for  salvation; 
and  that,  not  only  when  his  providence  smiles,  but  forever.  Never 
put  that  confidence  in  yourself,  nor  any  other  creature,  which 
should  be  placed  in  the  Lord :  Jer.  xvii.  7,  8. 

2d.  The  encouragement  offered;  "in  the  Lord  JEHOVAH  is 
everlasting  strength^  Infinite  are  the  blessings,  and  most  precious 
the  promises,  that  abound  in  the  word  of  the  Lord,  to  those  who 
trust  in  him.  There  is  a  firm  foundation  laid  for  your  faith. 
Christian,  in  him  who  was,  and  is,  and  is  to  come ;  and  having 
your  house  built  upon  him,  a  rock  that  can  never  be  moved,  you 
may  rest  in  it  securely,  and  smile  at  every  storm :  Matt.  vii.  24, 
25.  If  you  would  trust  in  God  truly,  you  must  trust  in  him 
only :  Nah.  i.  7.  In  him,  and  from  him,  you  will  derive  everlast- 
ing strength ;  that  will  bear  you  up  under  all  your  trials,  bring 
you  through  all  your  troubles,  carry  you  through  death,  and  set 
you  down  in  everlasting  life ;  Isa.  Ivii.  13.  Sense  opposes  faith ; 
hence,  the  Lord  is  too  frequently  forgotten,  and  the  mind  remains 
troubled  with  distracting  cares. 


TO  TKUSTING  IN  GOD. 


215 


"  We  trust  that  he  will  yet  deliver  us/'  — 2  Cor.  i.  10. 

TES !  and  good  cause  we  have  for  so  doing ;  for  we  have 
trusted  in  him  so  often,  on  former  occasions,  and  having 
never  found  his  promise  once  to  fail  us,  we  are  encouraged  to 
make  another  venture  upon  him :  Ps.  cxxv.  1.  We  have  been  in 
many  straits ;  bowed  down  with  many  cares ;  perplexed  with 
many  difficulties  ;  surrounded  with  many  dangers  ;  but  He  always 
delivered  us ;  and  we  trust  that  he  will  yet  deliver  us :  Ps.  Ivi.  4. 
After  having  been  brought  through  so  many  troubles,  we  should 
greatly  reproach  ourselves,  were  we  to  doubt  his  goodness  in 
future  troubles :  Isa.  xxv.  9.  For  surely  past  experience  ought 
to  encourage  us  to  future  dependence  :  Ps.  xxvi.  1.  He  has  been 
—  he  still  is — and  says  he  will  be  with  us  to  the  end:  Matt, 
xxviii.  20.  When  our  experience  says.  He  has  delivered  —  he 
does  deliver  —  let  our  faith  say,  "We  trust  that  he  will  yet 
deliver :  Ps.  xxxiv.  8.  All  the  strange,  dark,  deep,  and  change- 
able providences  that  believers  meet  with,  are  designed  to  lead 
them  to  trust  in  God,  and  shall  further  them  in  their  way  to 
heaven.  Infinite  wisdom  and  love  so  orders  all  things  here 
below,  that  they  now  work  for  their  real,  internal,  and  eternal 
good :  Eom.  viii.  28.  David  met  with  many  rugged  providences ; 
and  all  contributed  to  bring  him  to  the  throne.  Daniel  and  his 
three  brethren  met  with  some  very  uncomfortable  providences : 
but  they  all  led  to  their  advancement.  So  every  trying  provi- 
dence that  believers  meet  with  in  this  life,  being  sanctified,  shall 
be  instrumental  in  raising  their  affections  to  heaven ;  that  they 
may  live  in  the  enjoyment  of  God. 

But  it  should  ever  be  borne  in  mind,  that  none  can  be  truly  said 
to  trust  in  God,  who  do  not  make  use  of  all  the  means  appointed 
by  God ;  and  then  leave  with  him  the  event :  Ps.  xxxvii.  ^. 
When  troubles  and  afflictions  befall  you,  always  recollect  that 
God  designs  neither  to  ruin  nor  destroy  you ;  but  to  do  you  good; 
and  if  you  did  not  need  them,  he  would  never  send  them :  Deut. 
viii.  2.  You  should  always  look  at  the  latter  end  of  your  troubles, 
and  not  at  the  beginning;  for  a  Christian,  like  gold,  shines 
brightest  after  rubbing :  James  v.  11.  "  He  tcill  yet  deliver  us  ;  ^' 
as  surely  as  he  hath  delivered  us. 


216 


TO  HOPING  IN  GOD. 


"It  is  good  that  a  man  should  both  hope  and  quietly  wait  for  the  salvation 
of  the  Lord.'' — Lam.  iii.  26. 

EEAL  religion  is  a  living  principle.  A  man  may  be  called  a 
Christian,  and  think  himself  very  good,  while  he  is  not  one ; 
so  may  a  Christian  be  called  a  Deceiver,  and  be  tempted  to  believe 
that  he  is  one,  when  he  is  not.  God  gives  his  children  sorrow  on 
earth,  that  he  may  lead  them  to  a  crown  in  heaven ;  and  a  Chris- 
tian may  as  well  try  to  examine  the  face  of  the  moon  while  under 
an  eclipse,  as  to  attempt  to  try  his  own  state  while  under  tempta- 
tion :  Heb.  xii.  6.  It  is  good  that  a  man  should  hope,'  since  he 
hopes  for  that  which  is  good;  and  the  good  that  a  believer  in 
Jesus  hopes  for,  surpasses  every  other  good:  Ps.  clvi.  5.  We 
hope  for  a  kingdom  :  Luke  xii.  32 ;  and  are  sure  that  we  shall 
never  be  ashamed  of  our  hope :  Kom.  v.  4.  The  rich  trade  of 
hope  is  carried  on  in  the  other  world.  Here  we  are  despised  and 
debased  —  there  we  shall  be  admired  and  exalted:  Ps.  xxxi.  19. 

It  is  good  that  we  hope ; "  because  the  good  that  we  hope  for 
is  at  our  journey's  end ;  and  we  have  in  hand  an  earnest  of  the 
hoped-for  good :  Eph.  i.  13.  "  It  is  good  that  Ave  hope ; because 
it  is  possible  to  obtain  the  good  hoped  for;  and  the  prop  that 
supports  our  hope,  is  the  unshaken  word  of  that  God  whose  mercy 
is  infinite. 

"It  is  good''  also,  that  we  "wait,"  as  well  as  hope,  "/or  the 
salvation  of  the  Lord^  We  must  hope  that  the  promised  good 
will  come,  and  ivait  till  it  does  come ;  though  it  may  appear  to 
tarry  long,  and  our  trials  be  very  great,  still  we  must  not  grow 
impatient,  but  quietly  wait  its  arrival:  Isa.  xxvi.  3.  Be  not 
discouraged ;  the  Lord  will  not  leave  you  to  grapple  with  your 
conflicts  alone ;  it  is  true,  the  flesh  is  weak ;  but  Hope  waxes 
valiant  in  fight,  and  assures  itself  of  certain  victory :  Heb.  vi.  11. 
Call  to  mind  what  God  has  already  done  for  you,  and  that  will 
encourage  your  hope  in  all  he  has  promised  to  do :  Isa.  xxx.  18. 
Take  God  at  his  word.  Have  you  not  found  his  word  a  guide  to 
lead  you ;  a  staff  to  support  you ;  a  cordial  to  cheer  you ; 
MEDICINE  to  heal  you ;  and  food  to  strengthen  you  ?  Has  not 
his  word  stood  by  you  when  friends  have  forsaken  you  ?  and  been 
your  best  friend  in  the  worst  of  times  ? 


TO  HOPING  IN  GOD. 


217 


"  We  are  saved  by  hope.''  —  Rom.  viii.  24. 

HEAVEN  in  hope,  is  worth  more  than  the  world  in  hand: 
Matt.  xvi.  20.  Our  present  salvation  from  sin^  and  its 
consequent  guilt,  is  by  grace  through  faith  :  Eph.  ii.  8  ;  and  by 
faith  our  spiritual  life  is  maintained :  Eom.  i.  17.  But  with 
regard  to  the  future,  "  We  are  saved  by  hope ;  we  cannot  hope 
for  that  which  we  already  possess ;  "  for  what  a  man  seeth,  why 
doth  he  yet  hope  for  ?  ^'  Hope  is  a  pleasing  expectation  of  some- 
thing good.  The  Christian's  hope  is  a  firm  expectation  of  the 
good  things  promised  in  the  Scriptures  of  truth ;  and  is  distin- 
guished from  worldly  hopes,  1st.  By  the  excellency  of  its  object, 
which  is  eternal :  Col.  i.  5.  2d.  By  the  stability  of  its  founda- 
tion ;  God's  eternal  truth,  unchangeable  love,  and  almighty  power : 
2  Tim.  i.  12.  3d.  By  its  purifying  or  cleansing  nature :  1  John 
iii.  3.  Our  pleasant  expectation  of  future  glory  is  supported  by 
hope  :  1  Cor.  xv.  19.  What  a  blessed  companion  is  hope  !  It 
bears  up  our  spirits  under  all  kinds  of  sufferings ;  carries  us  joy- 
fully through  all  our  difficulties ;  and  points  us  to  our  journey's 
end,  where  pleasures  immortal,  and  joys  eternal,  await  us  at 
God's  right  hand:  Titus  i.  2.  We  are  saved  by  hope;"  for 
where  there  is  a  certainty  of  hope,  there  is  also  a  certainty  of 
salvation :  Ps.  cxlvi.  5.  Hope  and  Faith  are  inseparable  compan- 
ions, and  are  constantly  talking  about  things  not  seen.  Faith  is 
the  evidence,  and  Hope  the  expectation  of  those  things :  Heb.  xi. 
1.  A  good  God  has  promised  good  things,  which  Hope  fastens 
upon  as  its  object;  but  those  who  have  no  true  faith  have  no  such 
hope ;  for  hope  is  a  daughter  of  faith  :  Rom.  v.  1,  2.  The  be- 
liever in  Christ,  while  in  this  world,  has  to  suffer,  labor,  toil,  and 
strive ;  while  hope  comforts  him  by  leading  his  expectations  into 
the  other  world ;  where  sorrow,  pain,  and  death  can  never  enter : 
Eev.  xxi.  4.  All  who  have  a  good  hope  of  glory,  have  Christ  dwell- 
ing in  them  the  hope  of  glory :  Col.  i.  27. 

Cheer  up,  believer !  and  "  hope  thou  in  God,  for  thou  shalt  yet 
praise  him:"  Ps.  xlii.  11.  Live  near  to  God;  hang  upon  his 
promises  ;  cleave  to  his  truth  ;  hold  fast  to  his  faithful  word ; 
never  part  with  the  truth ;  keep  the  truth,  and  the  truth  will 
keep  you.    Hope  in,  and  wait  upon  God  continually. 


218 


TO  RESISTING  TEMPTATION. 


"  Whoso  walketh  wisely,  he  shall  be  delivered.'^  —  Pro  v.  xxxviii.  26. 
THATEVER  sin  the  heart  of  man  is  most  prone  to,  that  the 


V  V  devil  will  be  most  sure  to  help  forward.  If  Judas  is  cov- 
etous, Satan  will  put  him  upon  selling  his  Lord.  He  is  careful 
to  suit  his  temptations  to  our  dispositions  and  circumstances ;  but 
whatever  might  be  his  means,  he  has  but  one  end ;  hence,  when 
a  soul  is  turning  from  him  to  God,  he  is  more  than  ordinarily- 
busy.  But  a  man  may  as  well  attempt  to  count  the  drops  of  the 
sea,  and  number  the  sands  of  its  shore,  as  reckon  up  all  the  de- 
vices of  Satan ;  but  he  is  too  skilful  a  pirate  to  attack  an  empty 
ship.  All  who  are  sainted  are  sure  to  be  tempted ;  and  all  who 
endure  temptation  are  sure  to  be  blessed :  James  i.  12.  Remem- 
ber, that  the  devil  can  go  no  farther  than  the  length  of  his  chain; 
and  that  whenever  you  are  tempted  to  evil,  it  is  not  of  God  ;  but 
it  is  the  devil  working  upon  your  own  sinful  lusts  and  corrupt 
passions,  to  entice  you  to  sin :  James  i.  13,  14.  And  all  you  have 
to  do,  is  to  keep  off  the  devil's  ground ;  and  resist  his  temptations 
in  the  strength  of  that  grace  which  God  supplies,  and  you  "  shall 
he  delivered : Jas.  iv.  7.  When  you  are  in  straits,  you  will  be 
tempted  to  distrust ;  and  when  in  trouble,  to  despair ;  and  his 
constant  aim  will  be,  if  possible,  to  dash  you  to  pieces  on  one  or 
other  of  those  fatal  rocks.  Presumption  or  Despair ;  but  let  this 
not  distress  you;  for  ''ivhoso  walketh  wisely,  shall  be  delivered.''^ 
See  to  it,  that  ye  walk  wisely ;  and  never  put  yourself  in  the 
way  of  temptation,  by  affecting  wicked  company,  to  keep  wicked 
society.  Satan  has  ruined  thousands,  by  inducing  them  to  asso- 
ciate themselves  with  foolish  and  vain  persons.  Have  no  fel- 
lowship with  the  unfruitful  works  of  darkness,  but  rather  reprove 
them :  "  Eph.  v.  11.  As  a  mariner  would  shun  sands,  rocks,  and 
shelves,  so  should  you  shun  the  society  of  wicked  men :  Prov.  iv. 
14-16.  Afflictions  are  called  temptations ;  but  there  is  no  dan- 
ger of  those  harming  you ;  therefore  your  wisest  plan  will  be  to 
submit  to  them:  See  Gen.  xxii.  1,  and  Heb.  xi.  17.  When  God 
tempts  you,  that  is,  tries  you,  it  is  a  sure  sign  that  he  loves  you : 
1  Pet.  i.  7.  But  when  Satan  tempts,  it  is  that  he  might  devour ; 
1  Pet,  V,  8.    While  you  walk  wisely,  you  walk  safely. 


TO  BESISTING  TEMPTATION. 


** He  that  endur^ih  to  the  end  shall  be  saved.''  —  Matt.  x.  22. 
r^HMSTIAmTY  is  not  talking  of  Christ;  but  walking  after 
V_y  him.  Christ  has  many  to  follow  him  in  a  calm,  who  fly 
from  him  in  a  storm.  Trials,  sore  afflictions,  and  persecutions 
are  called  temptations;  and  some,  in  consequence  of  temptation, 
endure  but  for  awhile ;  and  then  leave  Christ  and  his  cause  to 
shift  for  themselves  :  Luke  viii.  13.  Withered  leaves  soon  fall 
off  in  windy  weather  ;  so  do  dry  professors  in  time  of  temptation. 
' '  But  he  that  endureth temptation,  as  gold  does  the  fire,  shall 
lose  nothing  by  it,  but  what  the  gold  loses ;  the  dross.  In  the 
sorest  of  temptations,  a  believer  has  his  consolations  ;  for  he 
knows  there  will  be  an  end  to  them ;  and,  that,  "he  that  endureth 
to  the  end  shall  be  saved : Job  iii.  IT.  And  as  they  are  not  ever- 
lasting, they  shall  not  be  so  very  distressing,  but  what  we  shall 
be  able  to  bear  them ;  yea,  and  endure  them  to  the  end :  1  Cor.  x. 
13.    Prosperity  is  more  to  be  dreaded  than  adversity. 

A  tempted  condition  is  never  a  pleasant  one,  but  always  a  prof- 
itable one,  if  we  endure  it  to  the  end :  Heb.  xii.  11.  Christ  was 
tempted,  and  knows  well  how  to  succor  those  who  are  tempted : 
Heb.  ii.  9-18.  Never  yield  to  temptation  when  it  comes  from 
the  enemy  ;  but  boldly  resist  the  temptation,  whatever  might  be 
its  name  or  nature  ;  and  you  "  shall  be  saved from  the  power 
of  your  adversary  ;  while  others  are  taken  captive  by  him  at  his 
will :  2  Tim.  ii.  26.  It  is  a  blessed  thing  to  endure  what  we 
cannot  cure:  James  i.  12.  Temptations  to  sin  are  not  evils, 
unless  we  are  overcome  by  them ;  no  matter  how  evil  the  thought 
may  be  that  enters  the  mind,  it  is  not  sin  till  it  is  indulged ;  then, 
and  not  till  then,  it  becomes  a  sinful  thought ;  and,  if  not  resisted, 
it  grows  to  a  sinful  desire ;  and  that  desire,  without  resistance, 
would  become  actual  transgression  the  first  favorable  opportunity. 
Be  not  discouraged ;  fly  to  the  Lord  for  refuge.  He  will  strengthen 
you  in  the  conflict ;  and  when  the  enemy  comes  upon  you  like 
a  flood,  he  will  not  suffer  you  to  be  borne  away  ;  but  will  lift  up 
a  standard  against  him :  Isa.  lix.  19.  The  more  profitable  and 
more  pleasing  sin  might  be  presented,  the  more  vigorous  must 
be  your  resistance  against  it. 


220 


TO  THE  FEAR  OF  GOD. 


"/f  shall  be  well  with  them  that  fear  God,''  —  Eccl.  viii.  12. 

OME  men  use  spectacles  to  behold  other  men's  sins,  rathi  i 


kJ/  than  looking-glasses  to  behold  their  own  crimes  ;  and  can 
more  readily  see  a  mote  in  the  eye  of  another,  than  a  beam  in 
their  own  :  Matt.  vii.  3.  But  all  is  not  well  that  looks  well ; 
neither  is  all  ill  that  looks  ill.  A  man  may  look  like  a  bright 
saint,  and  be  a  great  sinner.  Many  who  spend  their  days  joy- 
fully, end  them  miserably.  Outward  circumstances  are  not 
always  good  evidences  :  Heb.  xii.  6.  The  fear  of  God  is  here 
put  for  the  whole  of  religion  ;  and  is  the  same  as  the  love  of  God 
under  the  Gospel :  Matt.  xxii.  37.  A  man  who  truly  fears  God 
does  not  dread  him  ;  but  loves  him  so  well  that  he  is  afraid  to 
sin  against  him :  Gen.  xxxix.  9. 

''It  shall  be  ivell  ivith  them  that  fear  God;  it  ever  has  been,  and 
must  continue  to  be  well  with  them  ;  for  God  was  never  displeased 
with  anything  but  sin ;  and  they  having  forsook  sin,  have  no  evil 
to  fear.  The  fear  of  God  inspires  its  possessor  with  confidence 
in  God,  in  poverty  :  Ps.  xxxvii.  3  ;  firmness  of  mind,  in  sickness  : 
Ps.  xli.  3 ;  courage,  in  time  of  danger :  Acts  xx.  24 ;  and  with  a 
holy  assurance,  in  the  time  of  temptation :  1  Cor.  x.  13.  Under 
every  circumstance,  and  in  every  condition,  living  or  dying,  it 
must,  yea,  ''  it  shall,  be  well  with  them  that  fear  God : "  Isa.  iii. 
10.  Those  who  fear  God  are  such  as  have  believed  the  record 
given  of  the  Son  of  God  :  1  John  v.  10,  11 ;  all  such  are  born  of 
God :  John  i.  12,  13 ;  and  are  the  sons  of  God :  1  John  iii.  1,  2. 
Sin  makes  a  man  a  coward  ;  but  the  fear  of  the  Lord  inspires  him 
with  courage :  Prov.  xxviii.  1. 

Pear  God,  by  cherishing  suitable  and  requisite  dispositions  of 
heart  towards  him,  as  contrition  on  account  of  past  sins :  Ps. 
xxxviii.  18  ;  confidence  in  his  unbounded  mercy  :  Ps.  xxxiii.  22 ; 
and  a  grateful  recollection  of  his  manifold  benefits  :.  Ps.  xlviii. 
1-14.  Consecrate  yourself  to  him :  1  Cor.  vi.  19,  20 ;  let  him 
have  all  your  influence  in  your  family  :  Josh.  xxiv.  15 ;  and 
amon^:  all  your  connexions  :  Ps.  xxxiv.  4,  8.  In  doing  this,  strive 
to  promote  the  interests  of  Christ's  kingdom :  Ps.  cxxii.  6  ;  and 
che^^TfuUy  serve  mankind  for  God's  sake.  Do  all  the  good  you 
can,  but  aever  trust  in  your  good  doings. 


TO  I'HE  FEAR  OP  GOD. 


221 


*'  In  every  nation  he  thai  feareth  him  and  worlceth  righteousness,  is  accepted 
with  him."  — Acts  x.  36. 


UT WARDLY  devout  and  openly  profane^  are  all  upon  a  level 


before  Grod,  in  point  of  justification :  Ps.  cxliii.  2.  To  hate 
God  and  work  wickedness  is  the  natural  state  and  practice  of  all 
men:  Kom.  viii.  7.  As  it  is  written,  There  is  none  righteous, 
no,  not  one :  Eom.  iii.  10.  But  God  hath  made  us  accepted  in 
the  Beloved;  in  whom  we  have  redemption  through  his  blood, 
the  forgiveness  of  sins,  according  to  the  riches  of  his  grace  :  Eph. 
i.  6,  7.  And,  ^'in  every  nation/^  kindred,  and  people,  he  that 
feareth  him/^  that  is,  loveth  and  serveth  him,  and  ivorketh  right- 
eousness/^ be  he  who  or  what  he  may,  ^^is  accepted  ivitJi  hiniJ' 
Our  fearing  God  and  working  righteousness^'  is  not  the  cause, 
but  the  fruit  of  our  acceptance ;  and  evinces  that  we  are  accepted 
with  him:  Matt.  vii.  17.  Blessed,  right  blessed,  are  they  who 
fear  the  Lord ;  all  such  have  received  the  Lord  Jesus  and  walk 
in  him.  The  Christian  puts  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  as  his 
righteousness,  holiness,  and  redemption  ;  he  needs  no  more ;  yet 
he  constantly  wishes  for  more ;  he  desires  to  be  with  and  like 
unto  his  God;  and  he  ardently  wishes  that  every  individual 
member  of  Christ's  body  were  now  saved  from  sin.  By  walking 
in  the  "  fear  of  God  "  our  Saviour,  having  daily  fellowship  with 
him,  we  become  more  and  more  like  unto  him.  By  close  walking, 
constant  communing,  and  freely  conversing  with  God,  love  is 
maintained  in  our  hearts  ;  and,  by  virtue  of  which,  we  are  enabled 
to  bring  forth  the  fruits  of  "  righteousness.^^  To  fear  God,  we 
must  hate  sin,  and  every  road  that  leads  to  it. 

All  who  live  godly  are  expected  to  live  neighborly :  Matt.  xxii. 
37-40  ;  for  "  fearing  God  and  working  righteousness,"  must  never 
be  separated :  1  John  iv.  20,  21.  It  is  not  enough  that  a  man 
say  he  fears  God ;  for  God  will  not  accept  of  words  without  deeds. 
Neither  will  it  suffice  that  we  injure  none,  without  doing  good 
unto  all:  Matt.  vii.  12.  If  God  accepts  us,  it  can  matter  but 
little  who  rejects  us.  And  being  united  to  his  Son,  he  accepts 
of  us  in  and  through  him  ;  and  in  him  we  have  our  title  to  all  the 
blessings  of  this  life,  and  that  which  is  to  come.  Your  soul's 
happiness  lies  in  union  with  God. 


222 


TO  WATCHFULNESS. 


"Happy  is  the  man  that  feareth  a/tvay.^'  —  Prov.  xxviii.  14. 

A CHILD  that  is  constantly  afraid  of  falling  walks  cautiously. 
Let  no  one  think  that  man  happy  who  never  fears ;  for 
none  are  truly  happy  but  they  who  are  truly  holy ;  and  they  are 
always  afraid  of  becoming  otherwise;  hence^  they  retain  their 
holiness,  the  true  spring  of  happiness. 

Happy  is  the  man,^^  whoever  or  whatever  he  might  be,  ' '  that 
feareth  alway:^^  that  stands  in  holy  awe  and  sins  not;  that 
reverences  the  glory,  goodness,  and  authority  of  God,  and  "  fear- 
eth alway  to  do  that  which  would  offend  him :  Ps.  cxliv.  15. 
Those  who  would  not  fall  into  sin,  or  be  overtaken  by  sin,  must 
watch  against  it:  Matt.  xxvi.  41.  Happy  is  the  man"  who 
fears,  not  only  evil,  but  also,  the  very  appearance  of  evil ;  and 
who,  from  a  sense  of  his  own  weakness,  watches  narrowly  and 
constantly  his  own  heart;  and  "feareth"  to  trust  to  his  own 
strength :  Ps.  cxlvi.  6.  "  Happy  is  the  man  "  who  fears  sinning 
more  than  suffering;  and  in  the  time  of  a  calm  looks  out  for  a 
storm ;  and  is  never  found  sleeping  when  he  ought  to  be  watch- 
ing :  Mark  xiv.  38.  When  you  grow  weary  of  watching,  you 
should  shake  it  off  by  praying.  Watch  constantly ;  keep  the 
door  of  your  heart  carefully ;  and  never  suffer  an  enemy  to  harbor 
there;  for  that  one  may  kill  you  or  let  in  others  that  would: 
Prov.  iv.  23.  Look  through  your  telescope  of  faith ;  and  you 
will  be  able  to  discover  your  enemies  at  a  great  distance.  When 
anything  is  out  of  order,  get  it  repaired  immediately :  1  J ohn  ii.  1. 
Improve  every  opportunity  for  praying,  as  well  as  watching ; 
and  after  prayer  watch  for  an  answer :  Luke  xii.  37,  38.  Have 
a  constant  watch  over  your  eyes,  your  ears,  your  tongue,  your 
heart.  Watch  against  every  evil,  and  for  every  opportunity  to 
do  good.  Let  your  heart  be  fixed  upon  Christ,  and  that  will  cool 
your  affection  for  the  world,  and  kindle  up  love  to  God.  Let 
your  eye  be  much  upon  self,  and  that  will  keep  you  humble ;  and 
always  upon  Christ  and  that  will  make  you  happy.  Keep  a  nar- 
row watch  over  your  own  heart,  and  frequently  bring  it  to  a  close 
account :  Ps.  iv.  4.  David  prayed  for  a  watch  to  be  set  over  the 
door  of  his  lips ;  and  it  may  be,  that  if  you  had  one  placed  there 
it  would  do  no  harm :  Ps.  cxli.  3. 


TO  WATCHFULNESS. 


223 


"Blessed  is  he  that  watcheth.''  —  Rev.  xvi.  15. 
ATCHFULISrESS  comprehends  the  whole  care  of  a  Chris- 
tian life.    There  is  no  duty  enjoined,  nor  anything  pro- 
hibited by  God,  but  what  is  for  the  good  of  man.    It  is  made  our 
duty  and  privilege  to  watch : 

First,  To  prevent  evil.  1st.  We  must  watch  against  sin.  The 
corrupt  inclination  of  our  fallen  nature,  which  is  called  sin  that 
dwelleth  in  us,"  is  a  constant  stimulus  to  the  actual  commission 
of  crime ;  and  the  objects  around  us  may  prove  unhappy  occa- 
sions of  sin  to  us,  without  watchfulness :  Prov.  iv.  23.  2d.  We 
must  guard  against  the  world.  The  things  of  the  world  are  so 
suitable  to  our  corrupt  passions  and  appetites,  that,  if  off  our 
guard,  they  will  find  way  into  our  hearts  and  affections.  The 
world  smiles,  and  betrays;  kisses,  and  kills;  and  there  are  a 
thousand-fold  more  dangers  from  its  smiles,  than  its  frowns. 
Our  best  defence  is  to  watch  against  the  world,  and  sin  in  the 
heart ;  for  Satan  can  never  harm  us  without  our  consent :  1  Cor. 
vii.  29-31.  3d.  We  must  watch  against  the  temptations  of  the 
devil.  He  is  an  avowed  enemy  to  all  the  human  family ;  and  is 
strong,  cunning,  cruel,  and  industrious  :  1  Pet.  v.  8.  And  though 
he  cannot  force,  he  can  work  upon  our  natural  lusts,  and  entice : 
James  i.  14.  These  foes  are  combined,  and  must  be  sharply 
looked  after. 

Secondly.  We  must  watch  to  do  good.  1st.  We  must  improve 
all  our  talents  wisely  and  faithfully,  in  the  discharge  of  every 
duty  we  owe  to  God,  our  neighbors,  and  ourselves  :  Matt.  xxii. 
37-39.  2d.  We  must  watch  for  proper  seasons  to  do  good.  We 
may  say  of  a  work  done,  as  well  as  a  word  spoken  in  due  season, 
"  How  good  is  it !  The  matter  of  an  action  may  be  good  while 
the  beauty  of  it  is  lost,  through  not  being  well-timed  :  Eccl.  iii.  1. 
And,  3d.  We  must  watch  to  do  good  in  the  manner  appointed. 
We  must  do  all  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  having  an  eye 
single  to  his  glory :  Col.  iii.  17.  "  Blessed  is  he  that  ivatcheth.^' 
Mark  that !  Blessed  is  he,  not  blessed  shall  he  be.  Xo :  it  is  ix 
our  watching  we  have  the  blessing ;  not  for  the  deed,  but  in  the 
deed  ;  Ps.  xix.  11.  Constant  watchfulness  will  prove  a  safeguard 
against  every  snare  and  temptntion.  Let  us  watch  constantly 
and  pray  fervently. 


224 


TO  PKAYER. 


"Who  hath  God  so  nigh  unto  them,  as  the  Lord  our  God  is  in  aU  things 
that  we  call  upon  him  for  ?  "  —  Deut.  iv.  7. 

E  are  poor,  indigent,  necessitous  creatures,  full  of  wants; 
and  God  alone  is  sufficient  and  willing  to  supply  the 
whole.  There  are  many  blessings  common  to,  and  enjoyed  by 
all,  without  even  asking  for :  Matt.  v.  45.  But  there  are  others 
which  can  only  be  obtained  by  those  who  ask  for  them :  Ezek. 
xxxvi.  37.  All  men  are  under  the  influence  of  one  spirit  or 
another;  real  believers  are  influenced  by  the  Spirit  of  Christ; 
and  all  unbelievers  are  under  the  influence  of  the  spirit  of  anti- 
christ. It  has  been  made  the  duty  and  privilege  of  all  to  pray ; 
and  certainly  the  Almighty  Father  of  our  mercies  would  never 
impose  a  duty  upon  his  poor  creatures  they  were  unable  to  per- 
form.    Is  any  among  you  afflicted  ?  let  him  j^ray : James  v.  13. 

A  man  who  is  really  afflicted  in  the  want  of  anything,  can 
always  find  language  to  ask  a  superior  for  it,  if  he  has  but  a  hope 
of  obtaining  it.  It  may  frequently  happen,  we  may  know  not 
ivliat  to  pray  for ;  and  there  may  be  but  few  who  know  how  to 
pray  as  the  hypocrites  do :  Matt.  vi.  5-7.  But  who  is  there  can- 
not find  eloquence  sufficient  for  the  Publican's  prayer  ?  "  God 
be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner ! "  The  dying  thief  prayed,  "  Lord, 
remember  me  ! "  David  prayed,  "  Lord,  pardon  mine  iniquity,  for 
it  is  great !  "  The  Canaanitish  woman  prayed,  Have  mercy  upon 
me,  0  Lord,  thou  Son  of  David !  All  these  received  answers  to 
their  prayers ;  and  so  have  all  others  who  have  ever  prayed  in 
the  same  frame  of  mind.  Christians  cannot  live  without  prayer ; 
and  good  reason  they  have  to  pray.  "  Wlio  JiatJi  God  so  nlgJi 
unto  tiiem  V  —  no  nation,  or  people.  ISTo  people  are  so  highly 
honored ;  for  tiie  Lord  ''  is  not  ashamed  to  be  called  their  God  : 
Heb.  xi.  16.  The  Lord  is,  not  only  nigh  them,  but  round  about 
them  :  Zech.  ii.  5 ;  and  a  very  present  help  in  the  midst  of  them  : 
Ps.  xlvi.  1-5.  This  is  an  honor  peculiar  to  praying  people ;  He 
is  always  "  nigh  unto  them ; "  and  they  have  the  honor  to  draw 
nigh  unto  him :  Heb.  vii.  19.  It  is  our  privilege  to  call  upon  him 
on  all  occasions,  and  under  all  circumstances,  and  to  consult  him 
in  all  things ;  knowing,  that  "  the  Lord  our  Ood  "  will  prove  him 
self  a  faithful  God. 


TO  PRAYER. 


225 


*'  If  ye  abide  in  me,  and  my  words  abide  in  you,  ye  sliall  ask  what  ye  will, 
and  it  sliall  be  done  unto  you.''  —  John  xv.  7. 

UMEEOUS  and  great  are  the  blessings  enjoyed  by  those 
who  embrace  the  promises,  and  live  up  to  the  precepts  of 
the  Gospel.  The  genuine  believer  ceases  from  himself ;  denies 
himself ;  lives  no  longer  to  himself ;  and  lives  by  faith ;  seeing 
what,  to  the  eye  of  sense,  is  invisible.  The  branch  cannot  live 
if  it  be  separated  from  the  vine  ;  and  as  we  are  equally  dependent 
on  Jesus,  the  true  Vine,  for  our  spiritual  life,  it  is  of  the  utmost 
importance  that  we  remain  in  him  by  faith. 

"  If  ye  abide  in  me,^^  says  the  living  Vine,  from  whom  you 
derive  your  sap,  life,  strength,  vigor,  and  on  whom  you  must 
hang  in  order  to  be  fruitful,  "  and  my  ivords  abide  in  you,^  ye 
shall  neither  become  withered  nor  unfruitful :  Ver.  4,  5.  Christ 
is  set  before  us,  and  offered  to  us,  in  his  word ;  it  is  in  the  word 
that  we  receive  him,  and  by  faith  embrace  him :  Eom.  x.  6-8.  It 
is  only  when  we  live  in  the  exercise  of  faith  in  his  word,  that  his 
words  abide  in  us ; for  where  his  words  live  there  he  lives. 
If  his  words  are  in  us,  to  rule,  he  will  live  in  us,  to  bless.  "  And 
ye  shall  ask  ivJiat  ye  ivill/^  agreeably  to  those  words  of  his  which 
abide  in  you,  and  as  sure  as  it  is  promised,  "  it  shall  be  done  xtnto 
you :  J ohn  xiv.  13,  14.  Than  this,  we  need  nothing  more  ;  and 
should  desire  nothing  less  ;  for  we  have  only  to  ask  and  have  : 
Ps.  cxlv.  18,  19.  You  need  never  be  at  a  loss  for  language  when 
you  approach  the  throne  of  grace,  so  long  as  Christ's  words  abide 
in  you ;  for  you  have  only  to  turn  his  promises  into  prayers ; 
and  such  prayers,  offered  up  in  faith,  must  prevail :  Matt.  xxi. 
22.  To  prove  successful  in  prayer,  you  must  take  nothing  with 
you  but  Christ  and  your  needs ;  for  anything  else  will  kill  faith ; 
and  then  you  cannot  please  God :  Heb.  xi.  6.  Your  duties,  privi- 
leges,  graces,  humblings,  and  obedience,  with  all  things  else  that 
are  yours,  must  all  be  laid  low,  and  Christ  alone  held  up ;  and 
then,  "  ask  what  ye  will,  and  it  shall  be  done  unto  you.''  Thou 
shalt  make  thy  prayer  unto  him,  and  he  shall  hear  thee  :  Job 
xxii.  27.  Kever  was  a  distressed  soul  moxQ  willing  to  be  relieved^ 
thau  God  is  to  auswer  prayer. 


226 


TO  PRAYER. 


"  They  shall  call  on  my  name,  and  I  will  hear  them  ;  I  will  say,  It  is  m) 
people ;  and  they  shall  say,  The  Lord  is  my  God.''  —  Zech.  xiii.  9. 

EVEEY  event  that  befalls  the  Israel  of  God,  is  overruled  by 
the  God  of  Israel.  He  has  an  eye  over,  and  a  hand  in,  all 
their  concerns;  and  though  he  may  lead  them  all  through  the 
fire,  he  takes  care  to  leave  none  in  it :  Isa.  xliii.  2.  Though  they 
are  called  to  be  sufferers,  they  are  more  than  conquerors :  Eom. 
viii.  37.  Their  troubles  on  the  way  to  heaven,  only  tend  to 
promote  their  intercourse  with  heaven. 

"  They  shall  call  on  my  7iame,^^  even  when  they  may  have  no 
one  else  to  call  upon,  in  the  worst  of  times ;  for  I  will  give  them 
both  the  will  and  the  power  so  to  do  :  Phil.  ii.  13.  Neither  shall 
they  call  on  me  in  vain;  for  "  /  tvill  hear  themJ'  Let  who  will 
forsake  them,  "  I  will  not  turn  away  from  them,  to  do  them 
good :  ^'  Jer.  xxxii.  40.  When  every  other  door  is  shut,  the  door 
of  mercy  is  open;  and  when  they  have  no  earthly  friend  on 
whom  they  may  call,  they  can  call  upon  God,  and  welcome ;  with 
the  comfortable  assurance  that  he  "  will  hear  them  ; "  yea,  and 
answer  them  too  :  Ps.  1.  15.  The  loving  Father's  promise  is  the 
beloved  children's  portion.  ^^It  is  I,"  saith  the  blessed  Jesus, 
to  his  afflicted  disciples,  "  be  not  afraid."  No  matter  who  dis- 
owns and  casts  them  off,  the  Lord,  who  hates  putting  away, 
declares,  "  /  will  say,  It  is  my  people,''^  whom  I  have  loved  and 
chosen,  that  have  called  on  me  ;  and  I  will  let  them  knt)w  that 
I  hear  them,  by  sending  a  speedy  answer,  testifying  that  they 
are  "  my  people : "  Ps.  xxxiv.  15.  And  such  will  be  their  joy 
on  hearing  from  Home,  and  learning  that  their  prayer  is  an- 
swered, they  will,  all  as  one,  say,  "  TJie  Lord  is  my  Ood.^^  So 
gracious  souls  reply  in  faith,  with  Thomas,  my  Lord,  and  my 
God! 

Never  was  a  tender  mother's  ear  more  attentive  to  the  cry  of 
her  tender  offspring,  than  our  heavenly  Father  is  to  the  cries 
of  his  dear  children.  While  you  can  say,  "  The  Lord  is  my  God," 
what  have  you  to  fear  ?  Men  and  angels  owe  their  happiness 
to  those  important  words.  How  rich  the  love  of  God !  it  is 
unchangeably  good.  How  transcendent  the  love  of  Jesus !  it 
passeth  knowledge.  A  soul  without  prayer^j  is  like  a<  body  witU- 
QUt  a  soul. 


TO  PKAYER. 


227 


"Draw  nigh  to  God,  and  he  will  draw  nigh  to you^  —  James  iv.  8. 

TO  praise  God  for  mercies,  is  the  way  to  increase  them ;  and 
to  bless  him  for  miseries,  is  the  way  to  remove  them.  There 
is  nothing  can  harm  you,  Christian,  but  sin ;  and  there  is  nothing 
can  save  you  but  Christ.  When  God  created  man  he  placed  him 
near  to  him ;  but  when  man  sinned,  he  fell  far  from  him :  Eccl.  vii. 
29.  All  natural  evil  is  the  effect  of  moral  evil ;  as  all  evil  owes 
its  origin  to  sin.  Sin  turned  the  heart  of  man  to  enmity  against 
God :  Eom.  viii.  7 ;  blocked  up  the  way  to  heaven,  and  opened  the 
gates  of  death :  Eom.  v.  12.  But  none  need  despair ;  for  "  God 
was  in  Christ  reconciling  the  world  unto  himself ;  not  imputing 
unto  them  their  trespasses  : 2  Cor.  v.  19.  And  he  ^^hath  recon- 
ciled us  to  himself,''  through  Jesus  Christ,  having  laid  upon  him 
the  iniquity  of  us  all :  Isa.  liii.  6.  So  that,  what  we  lost  in  the 
first  Adam,  has  been  redeemed  by  the  second  Adam;  who  is 
the  ^^Lord  from  heaven:''  1  Cor.  xv.  4,  7.  Though  all  men,  by 
nature,  are  spiritually  dead,  "he  that  believeth  on  the  Son  of 
God  hath  life;  and  by  faith  he  retaineth  that  life;"  John  iii. 
18,  36. 

It  is  now  your  duty  and  privilege  to  "  draw  nigh  to  God,^^  by 
Jesus  Christ,  with  all  that  confidence  in  which  a  dutiful  child 
would  approach  a  kind  and  indulgent  father.  God  is  well  pleased 
with  you  in  his  Son ;  who  has  settled  all  disputes ;  paid  your 
debts ;  mended  the  breach ;  and  purchased  salvation  for  you : 
Kom.  viii.  34.  It  matters  not  how  you  are  debased;  your 
heavenly  Pather  is  only  waiting  to  see  your  return :  throw  your- 
self at  his  feet,  and  you  shall  soon  enjoy  a  sense  of  his  favor; 
Matt,  xxiii.  12.  Say  not  that  your  case  is  hopeless,  in  consequence 
<^f  having  wandered  so  far ;  for  the  farther  you  are  off,  the  sooner 
you  ought  to  return :  Hos.  xiv.  2.  It  is  your  privilege  to  "  draw 
nigh  to  God;"  for  though  sin  blocked  up  the  old  way,  Christ  has 
opened  a  new  way  unto  him;  Heb.  x.  19,  20.  "Draw  nigh  to 
God"  in  faithful,  fervent  prayer,  in  a  way  of  duty ;  and  '^lie  will 
draw  nigh  to  you  "  in  a  way  of  mercy  ;  Mai.  iii.  7.  Venture  now 
—  he  will  help  you  —  you  may  be  faint,  but  he  will  revive  you ; 
Isa.  Ivii.  15.  To  be  saved  by  him,  you  ba^ve  onlj^  to  draw  nigh 
unto  him ;  Heb,  vii,  25, 


228 


TO  SEEKING  GOD. 


"Seek  ye  me,  and  ye  shall  live. ' '  —  Amos  v.  4. 

THEEE  can  be  no  readier  way  for  a  man  to  lose  himself,  than 
to  seek  himself.  A  man  who  seeks  himself  is  a  slave  to  him- 
self, and  of  no  good  to  others ;  neither  is  there  any  vice  that  self- 
seeking  will  not  lead  a  man  to.  It  led  (lehazi  to  lying ;  Baalim 
to  cursing;  and  Absalom  to  seek  the  ruin  of  his  father;  it  led 
the  Pharisees  to  oppose  Christ ;  Judas  to  betray  him ;  and  Pilate 
to  condemn  him.  Neither  can  any  man  become  a  disciple  of 
Christ  so  long  as  he  seeks  himself :  Matt.  xvi.  24.  Sad  experi 
ence  teaches  us,  that  we  never  gained  any  good  by  seeking  self  ; 
it  may  be,  too,  that  you  need  not  go  from  home  in  order  to  prove 
the  sad  effects  of  turning  the  back  upon  God,  and  seeking  happi- 
ness  in  the  creature.  But  be  not  discouraged;  for  after  all  that 
thou  hast  done,  though  thou  mayest  long  have  gratified  thy  sinful 
and  corrupt  passions  and  appetites,  the  God  whom  thou  hast  so 
long  slighted,  still  calls  after  thee,  and  says, 

1st.  "Seek  ye  me!'^  Do  be  advised  by  him:  Isa.  lv.  6.  Seek 
to  him ;  inquire  of  him ;  and  ask  him  what  he  would  have  you 
to  do.  Whatever  others  may  seek,  seek  ye  him:  Deut.  iv.  29. 
'^Seek  ye  him,'^  as  your  only  happiness,  your  portion,  and  youi 
all;  and  never  give  up  seeking  till  you  have  found  him:  Ps. 
Ixxiii.  25.  "  Seek  ye him  without  delay.  He  is  already  recon- 
ciled to  you;  and  is  desirous  you  should  become  reconciled  to 
him ;  that  you  might  be  happy  in  him,  and  enjoy  his  forgiving 
love :  Ps.  Ixx.  4.  Seek  him  according  to  the  directions  he  has 
given  you;  make  use  of  Christ  as  your  only  way  :  John  xiv.  6; 
the  Holy  Spirit  as  your  infallible  Guide :  John  xvi.  13 ;  and  his 
WOKD  as  your  unerring  rule  r  John  v.  39. 

2d.  "  And  ye  shall  llveJ^  The  Law  has  declared  you  cursed ; 
but  Christ  hath  redeemed  you  from  the  curse  of  the  law;  having 
been  made  a  curse  for  you :  Gal.  iii.  10-13.  Jesus  hung  on  the 
accursed  tree  with  all  your  guilt,  and  sin,  and  shame,  in  his 
naked,  exposed  body;  and  died  that  you  might  live.  He  was 
wounded  —  bled  —  bruised  —  striped — died  and  rose  for  us  :  Isa. 
liii.  4-6;  Kom.  iv.  25.  And  now  he  intercedes  for  us:  1  John 
ii.  1.  In  Christ  is  eternal  life ;  and  by  receiving  him,  you  obtaiii 
ttat  Uf^  wliich  is  in  him  :  1  John  v,  11,  12^ 


TO  SEEKING  GOD. 


229 


'*  He  that  cometh  to  God  must  believe  that  he  is,  and  that  he  is  a  rewarder 
of  them  that  diligently  seek  mm.'*  —  Heb.  xi.  6. 

r'jpHE  sacred  Scriptures  describe  all  mankind  as  sheep  going 
J-  astray  from  the  true  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  souls  :  Isa.  lii, 
6.  And,  what  is  very  remarkable,  though  every  one  turns  his 
own  way^^  no  one's  way  ever  led  him  back  to  God  5  but,  on  the 
contrary,  men  choose  rather  to  stray  farther  from  him ;  straying 
on  the  mountains  of  vanity  and  error,  till  they  are  compelled  by 
hunger  to  think  about  returning :  Luke  xv.  17,  18.  "  He  that 
cometh  to  God/^  that  is,  hath  access  to  his  grace  and  favor,  or 
would  worship  him  acceptably,  ''must  believe  that  he  is;^^  not  only 
that  there  is  a  God,  but  that  he  is  such  an  one  as  the  Scriptures 
represent  him:  our  Creator:  Ps.  c.  3;  Preserver  and  Eedeemer: 
Isa.  xlv.  21-25.  "  That  he  is ''  the  Maker,  Upholder,  and  Lord 
of  all ;  the  one  from  whom  all  other  creatures  derive  their  being ; 
and  on  whom  they  continually  depend :  Isa.  xl.  15,  22. 

Observe  the  nature  of  the  faith  required  on  coming  to  God. 
1st.  It  looks  to  the  promises  of  God;  though  seen  afar  off,  it 
brings  an  assurance  of  them  into  the  mind;  and  removes  all 
doubt  as  to  their  fulfilment :  Eom.  iv.  20,  21.  2d.  It  relies  upon 
Christ;  ^^for  in  him  all  the  promises  of  God  are  yea,  and  in 
him  Amen : ''  2  Cor.  i.  20.  3d.  It  gives  us  to  know  that  this 
world  is  not  our  home ;  that  here  we  are  strangers  and  foreigners  ; 
having  no  continuing  city :  Heb.  xi.  13.  4th.  By  faith,  with 
Abraham,  we  see  the  day  of  Christ,  and  are  made  glad ;  we  see 
his  second  coming  to  receive  us  all  to  himself :  J ohn  xiv.  3.  And, 
5th.  Faith  realizes  heaven  and  endless  blessedness  to  the  soul ;  it 
has  Hope  for  its  constant  attendant ;  and  Faith  and  Hope  beget 
Love,  to  him  who  ''is  the  rewarder  of  all  them  that  diligently  seek 
JiimJ^  He  that  believes  God  to  be  the  Father  and  Friend  of  all 
penitent,  believing  souls:  2  Cor.  vi.  17,  18;  and  diligently  seeks 
him,  shall  assuredly  find  him  the  "  rewarder  of  such:  Isa. 
xlv.  19. 

Seek  him  without  delay  ;  be  not.  afraid  of  consequences  ;  they 
belong  to  God ;  and  whatever  you  might  be  called  to  lose,  in  con- 
sequence of  seeking  him,  shall  be  more  than  made  up  by  him. 
§ober  \  and  watch  unto  prayexN 


230 


TO  DESIRE  OF  GRACE. 


"Ho,  every  one  that  thirsteth,  come  ye  to  the  waters,  and  he  that  hath  no 
money ;  come  ye,  buy,  and  eat,  yea,  come,  buy  wine  and  milk  without  money 
and  without  price.  "  —  Isa.  Iv.  1. 

LET  every  one  who  hath  ears  make  use  of  them  ;  and  listen  to 
the  gracious  invitation  here  given. 
Consider,  1st.  Who  are  invited;  "Ho,  every  one;^^  not  the 
Jews  only  :  Acts  xiii.  46,  47 ;  Jews  and  Gentiles  ;  high  and  low ; 
bond  and  free ;  rich  and  poor ;  great  and  small ;  learned  and  un- 
learned; Oyes !  Oyes!!  Oyes!!!  "Every  one,^^  old  and  young. 
2d.  The  necessary  qualification,  in  order  to  insure  a  hearty  wel- 
come. "  Every  one  that  thirsteth.''^  Not  those  who  see  no  need  of 
Christ  and  his  righteousness  :  Matt.  ix.  12.  They  must  be  thirsty, 
and  then  they  are  welcome.  3d.  Whither  they  are  invited  ;  "  To 
the  waters^  To  the  ports,  quays,  and  wharves,  where  foreign 
commodities  are  brought.  To  Christ,  without  whom  all  the  bless- 
ings now  to  be  enjoyed,  through  the  Gospel,  would  have  been 
foreign  to  us.  Come  to  Christ  and  be  cleansed  :  Zech.  xiii.  1. 
Come  to  his  ordinances  and  be  fed:  Ps.  xlvi.  4.  Come  and  be 
refreshed :  John  vii.  37.  4th.  What  they  are  invited  to  do ; 
"Come  —  buy  —  and  eat,^^  Make  it  your  own  on  Christ's  terms. 
Come  !  make  no  delay  ;  here  is  a  free  invitation  and  a  hearty  wel- 
come. Buy  it  on  Gospel  terms ;  part  with  all  rather  than  not 
obtain  it :  Pro  v.  xxiii.  23 ;  and  make  sure  of  it  by  eating  it :  John 
iv.  34.  Make  no  excuse.  5th.  What  is  the  provision  they  are 
invited  to ;  "  Wine  and  milk^  Wine  will  not  only  quench  the 
thirst,  but  nourish  and  revive  you.  Wine,  the  generous,  heart- 
reviving  comforts,  brought  in  the  Gospel;  pardon  of  sin,  and 
peace  with  God,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ :  Eph.  i.  7. 
^^And  MILK,''  the  soul-nourishing  doctrines  of  the  gospel  of 
Christ :  1  Pet.  ii.  2.  Buy,  without  delay,  this  precious  milk,  and 
heart-cheering  wine,  that  you  may  recover  your  strength.  Drink 
no  longer  of  puddled  waters.  6th.  The  free  communication  of 
this  provision ;  "  Buy  without  money,  and  without  priceJ^  This 
is  a  strange  way ;  but  it  is  God's  way ;  and  not  ours :  Eev.  iii. 
17,  18. 

The  things  offered  are  already  paid  for ;  and  to  their  full  value  : 
1  Pet.  i.  18,  19.  You  have  only  to  "come^^  and  receive  them.  oi\ 
Gospel  terms 5  "without  luouey,  and  without  prico/^ 


TO  DESIRE  OF  GKACE. 


231 


"B/essed  are  they  which  do  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness :  for  they 
shall  be  filled." —  UM.  v.  6. 

rr^O  have  a  desire  for  that  which  is  good,  is  an  evidence  of 


JL  something  good,  and  an  earnest  of  something  better :  Ps. 
cxlv.  19.  To  thirst  after  happiness  is  natural ;  it  is  also  natural 
to  seek  it  from  wrong  objects.  Blessed  are  they  who  are  pant- 
ing, pining,  and  thirsting  after  Christ  and  his  righteousness :  Ps. 
xxiv.  5.  It  is  not  a  cold,  formal  wish,  that  will  secure  the  bless- 
ing ;  but  a  desire  like  that  which  a  hungry  man  has  for  bread ;  or 
a  thirsty  one  for  water.  Christ,  the  Captain  of  our  salvation,  has 
brought  in  an  everlasting  righteousness ;  and  blessed  are  tliey^^ 
blessed  now^  who  desire  to  obtain  that  spiritual  food  to  sustain 
the  soul,  and  drink  to  refresh  it.  Every  good  desire  is  a  plant  of 
God's  own  raising ;  and  every  desire  after  righteousness  shall  be 
fed,  watered,  and  satisfied.  "  They  shall  he  filled  with  those 
blessings  they  so  ardently  desire  :  Ps.  cvii.  9.  A  soul  that  is 
quickened  can  no  more  live  without  its  regular  meals  of  "right- 
eousness "  than  the  body  can  without  meat  and  drink  :  Ps.  Ixiii.  1. 
The  soul  requires  daily-grace,  as  much  as  the  body  does  daily- 
bread,  to  enable  it  to  perform  its  daily-duty.  There  are  those 
who  pant  after  dust,  but  will  never  be  satisfied ;  for  it  is  God 
alone  can  satisfy  the  cravings  of  an  immortal  soul :  Amos  ii.  7. 

Blessed  are  they  who  know  their  own  emptiness,  and  believe 
in  Christ's  fulness  ;  "for  they  sliall  he  filled  "  with  all  the  blessings 
of  Jesus'  everlasting  righteousness ;  acceptance  with  God,  and 
peace  from  God ;  filled  with  all  the  fruits  of  righteousness  ;  with 
all  the  graces  of  the  Spirit  on  earth,  and  all  the  glory  of  God  in 
heaven :  Ps.  Ixv.  4.  Say,  Christian,  are  you  panting  after  Jesus  ? 
Do  you  see  the  perfection  of  his  atonement,  and  the  glory  of  his 
righteousness  ?  Is  the  triumph  of  his  cross,  and  the  victory  of 
his  death,  the  foundation  of  your  faith,  and  the  support  of  your 
hope  ?  If  so,  "  blessed  are  ye : "  for  these  are  the  love-tokens  that 
Jesus  bestows.  0,  the  delightful  intercourse,  that  subsists  be- 
tween hungry  souls  and  righteous  Jesus !  Whatever  would,  or 
could,  have  kept  poor,  hungering,  and  thirsting  souls  from  faint- 
ing, if  Jesus  had  not  pronounced  them  blessed?  It  is  truly  a 
happy  hunger, 


232 


TO  THE  KNOWLEDGE  OF  GOD  AND  CHRIST. 


" I  will  set  him  on  high,  because  he  hath  known  my  name."  —  Ps.  xci.  14. 

~\UTY  can  never  have  too  much  of  our  vigilance,  nor  too  little 


JL/  of  our  confidence.  The  true  source  of  comfort,  and  spring 
of  obedience,  is  a  knowledge  of  God.  A  knowledge  of  God's  love 
to  us  in  Christ,  received  into  the  heart  by  faith,  animates  us  to 
be,  and  to  do,  what  the  Lord  requires  in  our  lives.  To  know  the 
name  of  God,  is  to  know  that  by  which  he  has  made  himself 
known  to  us ;  as  his  Justice,  Mercy,  Goodness,  Love,  Truth,  &c 
The  promises  of  God  are  made  over,  in  Christ  Jesus,  to  all  such 
as  know  the  name  of  God  :  2  Cor.  i.  20.  And  all  who  know  him 
are  sure  to  love  him,  and  therefore  obey  him ;  for  there  are  none 
who  love  him  not,  but  those  who  know  him  not :  Jer.  v.  4. 

A  good  man  need  fear  no  evil ;  for  though  he  be  brought  low, 
God  will  raise  him  up.  ^'  I  will  set  Mm  on  high;  above  the  world, 
and  the  things  of  the  world.  Neither  men  nor  devils  shall  tram- 
ple upon  him ;  for  he  is  an  acquaintance  of  mine  :  Eom.  xvi.  20. 
The  Lord  knows  them  that  know  him ;  has  a  tender  regard  for, 
and  will  take  good  care  of  them  :  Isa.  xxvi.  3.  If  God  has  given 
you  a  heart  to  know  him,  it  is  a  sure  sign  that  he  has  good  in  re- 
serve for  you :  J er.  xxiv.  7.  Every  one  who  returns  to  God,  is 
brought  to  a  saving  acquaintance  with  him ;  and  he  is  so  well 
pleased  with  him,  that  he  declares,  "  I  will  set  him  on  high  be- 
cause he  hath  known  my  name.''  No  man  can  know  the  nature 
of  God  ;  but  all  may  know  his  name.  Those  who  know  the  name 
of  God,  are  known,  1st.  By  their  calling  upon  his  name  :  Zech. 
xiii.  9.  2d.  By  preferring  him  to  everything  else  they  have  any 
knowledge  of  :  Ps.  Ixxiii.  25.  3d.  By  putting  their  trust  in  him  : 
Ps.  ix.  10.  Whatever  you  may  be  ignorant  of  beside,  be  sure  you 
obtain  a  correct  knowledge  of  God :  John  xvii.  3.  Search  for  it ; 
cry  after  it ;  dig  deep  for  it ;  and  you  shall  obtain  it :  Prov.  ii. 
3-9.  Our  happiness,  here  and  hereafter,  depends  on  a  knowledge 
of  God,  and  intercourse  with  him :  2  Pet.  i.  2,  3.  Lift  up  your 
heart  to  your  Father,  God  —  your  brother,  Jesus  —  in  faithful, 
fervent  prayer ;  and  whatever  you  ask  agreeably  to  the  word  of 
truth  is  yours  ;  Johu  :5^iv,,  13,  14. 


TO  THB  KNOWLEDGE  OP  GOD  AND  CHKIST. 


233 


"  This  is  life  eternal,  that  they  might  know  thee  the  only  true  God,  and 
Jesus  Christ  whom  thou  hast  sent. ' '  —  John  xvii.  3. 

TTT"E  should  always  try  the  sayings  of  men  by  the  sayings  of 


VV  God;  or  we  shall  know  no  more  of  God  than  what  men 
say  of  him :  Acts  xvii.  11.  The  beginning,  increase,  and  perfec- 
tion of  eternal  life,  lies  in  a  knowledge  of  God  in  Christ :  Titus 
ii.  13,  14.  God  gave  us  our  being ;  in  him  we  have  life  and  well- 
being  :  Acts  xvii.  28.  But  in  order  to  have  eternal  life,  we  must 
have  a  knowledge  of  God  in  Jesus  Christ :  1  John  v.  11.  When 
we  are  brought  into  union  ^^  ith  Christ,  we  have  communion  with 
God ;  and  " this  is  life  eternal,^  in  the  bud ;  and  those  who  reject 
Christ,  reject  eternal  life  ;  for  we  can  never  know  God  without  an 
acquaintance  with  Christ:  vfohn  iii.  36.  ^^All  we  like  sheep 
have  strayed  from  God;  Christ  died  to  bring  us  back  to  the 
Author  of  our  being,  from  whom  we  have  wandered ;  and  redeem 
all  those  blessings  we  had  forfeited  by  our  wandering  :  Isa.  liii. 
6 ;  and  has  made  it  our  duty  to  love,  obey,  and  trust  in  him,  as 
our  chief  good ;  acknowledge  him  in  all  our  ways,  and  do  all 
things  to  his  glory,  as  "  tJie  only  true  God,^^  in  opposition  to  every 
false  God :  1  Cor.  x.  31. 

Had  we  never  have  sinned,  a  Knowledge  of  God  would  have  been 
"  life  eternal  to  us ;  but  in  coi  isequence  of  our  becoming  guilty 
rebels  before  him,  we  can  have  no  access  to  God,  but  through 
"Jesus  Christ  who  is  the  only  way,  and  the  truth,  and  the  life: 
John  xiv.  6.  We  must  realize  an  interest  in  the  Saviour's  death ; 
obtain  a  knowledge  of  him  as  our  Redeemer  ;  and  possess  an  evi- 
dence of  being  saved  by  his  life ;  in  order  to  enjoy  "life  eternal : " 
Rom.  V.  10.  It  is  not  said,  that  a  knowledge  of  God,  and  Jesus 
Christ,  leads  to  "life  eternal ; Lor,  that  "life  eternal''  shall  fol- 
low  that  knowledge  ;  no ;  but  it  expressly  says,  "  This  is  life 
eternal ; "  it  has  already  commenced ;  the  reign  of  grace  has  al- 
ready begun ;  and  will  be  made  perfect  in  glory :  Phil.  i.  6.  A 
true,  saving-knowledge  of  God  in  Christ  in  the  heart,  ever  dis- 
covers itself  by  a  holy,  loving,  and  obedient  life.  The  new-born 
soul  draws  all  his  comfort,  peace,  and  joy,  from  this  never-fail- 
ing source  of  consolation ;  hence  arises  his  love  to  God  and  de* 
light  in  him. 


234 


TO  HEARIKG  AND  READING  THE  WORD. 


"  Thy  word  is  a  lamp  unto  my  feet,  and  a  light  unto  my  path.'*  —  Ps.  cxix. 
105. 

E  owe  the  life  of  our  souls  to  the  death  of  the  Saviour. 
But  for  the  light  of  the  world,  we  had  all  been  in  dark- 
ness :  John  viii.  12.  The  word  of  God  is  a  lamp  and  light;  it  dis- 
covers manifold  mysteries ;  it  directs  men's  course,  and  comforts 
their  hearts  amidst  the  darkness  of  this  world ;  it  reveals  to  us 
things  divine  and  eternal,  and  guides  us  to  glory  and  happiness  : 
Matt.  iv.  16.  Without  the  word  of  god,  man  would  be  left  upon 
a  boundless  ocean,  stormy  and  dark,  without  either  compass, 
quadrant,  or  chart ;  gulphed  in  obscurity,  with  not  a  gleam  of 
light  to  tell  him  where  his  brittle  bark  would  strike.  But  God, 
who  is  rich  in  mercy,  has  not  left  us  in  this  deplorable  condition  ; 
the  Sun  of  righteousness  has  arisen  to  enlighten  our  way  across 
the  sea  of  life ;  to  cheer  the  darkness  that  surrounds  us,  and  point 
to  the  port  of  Heaven. 

"  Thy  word  is  a  lamp  unto  my  feet^  It  discovers  that  which 
concerns  us  most ;  and  what  we  should  never  have  known  with- 
out it.  It  warns  us  of  the  duties  we  are  to  perform,  and  the  dan- 
gers we  are  to  avoid:  Ps.  xix.  11.  It  guides  our  eyes,  and  directs 
our  feet,  all  through  the  path  of  life  to  endless  life :  Prov.  vi. 
23.  It  is  "a  light  to  our  path;  a  lamp  trimmed  with  the  Spirit; 
constantly  burning ;  and  no  storms  can  put  it  out :  Ps.  cxix.  89. 
It  informs  us  how  all  things  were  made  —  how  man  fell  from  his 
original  happiness  ;  forfeited  the  favor  of  God  ;  and  brought  him- 
self, with  all  his  posterity,  under  the  curse  of  a  broken  law : 
Eom.  V.  12.  It  illuminates  the  dreary  dungeon  of  man,  by  un- 
folding to  his  view  the  plan  of  Eedemption  :  Gen.  iii.  16.  But  it 
should  ever  be  remembered,  a  lamp  will  do  us  no  good  unless  we 
make  use  of  it.  The  word  of  God  must  be  used ;  not  only  to 
please  our  eyes  and  ears,  but  as  a  light  to  our  path ; to  en- 
lighten our  understanding,  and  direct  us  through  this  world  to 
that  which  is  to  come  :  Ps.  cxix.  130.  God  intended,  when  he 
gave  us  this  wonderful  "  Zamp,''  that  we  should  constantly  walk 
hy  the  "  light "  of  it ;  and  look  well  to  our  steps  :  Isa.  il.  3.  The 
Bible  should  be  our  constant  study,  our  daily  companion,  and 
oracle. 


TO  HEARING  AND  EEADING  THE  WOllD. 


235 


"Faith  cometh  by  hearing,  and  hearing  by  the  word  of  God.  "  —  Rom.  x.  17. 

IT  is  of  the  utmost  importance  that  we  have  faith ;  for  without 
faith  it  is  impossible  to  please  God:  Heb.  xi.  6.  Observe, 
1st.  We  must  hear  in  order  that  we  might  have  faith :  for  faith 
cometh  by  hearing;  and  is  wrought  by  the  Spirit  in  the  act  of 
hearing.  There  are  many  who  hear,  that  do  not  believe  what 
they  do  hear;  notwithstanding,  those  who  have  believed  must 
first  have  heard  that  which  they  do  believe :  2  Cor.  ii.  16.  A 
deaf  man's  ears  are  of  but  little  use  to  him.  2d.  The  matter 
heard,  by  which  saving  faith  is  wrought,  is,  ''the  word  of  God  ; 
and  which  is  called  the  "  word  of  faith ; because  it  begets  and 
supports  faith  :  Eom.  x.  8.  Faith  is  the  gift  of  God  :  Eph.  ii.  8 ; 
but  he  makes  use  of  his  word  as  the  instrument,  which,  on  our 
hearing,  works  faith,  when  we  hear  it  as  "  the  word  of  God :  1. 
Thess.  ii.  13.  And,  3d.  God  has  appointed  the  preaching  of  the 
Gospel  as  the  ordinary  means  of  salvation;  and  faith  in  Christ  is 
the  result  of  hearing  the  doctrines  of  God  preached,  if  heard  at- 
tentively :  Rom.  X.  14.  And  the  arm  of  the  Lord  is  revealed  in 
the  salvation  of  all  who  do  believe;  though  they  may  be  but 
few :  Isa.  liii.  1.  It  is  not  fine,  well-formed  words,  from  an  elo- 
quent tongue,  that  produce  faith ;  but  "  the  word  of  God  ;  the 
important  and  all-concerning  truths  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ,  in 
their  native  dress,  brought  home  to  the  hearts  and  consciences  of 
those  who  hear  them  :  1  Cor.  ii.  4,  5. 

Prize  the  word  of  God ;  make  it  your  own ;  press  it  to  your 
heart  as  a  pledge  of  Heaven,  whither  it  is  designed  to  guide  you. 
Make  its  sacred  truths  the  rule  of  your  life ;  for  hearing  and  read- 
ing will  benefit  you  nothing  without  doing:  James  i.  22-25. 
Faith  you  must  have  in  order  to  be  saved ;  it  is  indispensable  to 
the  possession  of  pure  and  undefiled  religion.  1st.  It  is  a  duty 
divinely  required :  John  vi.  29.  And  the  "  word  of  God "'  must 
be  the  ground  and  rule  of  your  faith.  2d.  It  is  the  only  way  of 
salvation:  John  iii.  18.  It  is  necessary  for  the  attainment  of 
every  spiritual  blessing,  and  for  the  performance  of  every  Chris- 
tian duty.  3d.  It  is  an  essential  property  of  religion.  For  what- 
ever we  might  do,  if  faith  be  wanting,  all  will  avail  nothing. 
Gal  v.  G. 


236 


TO  LOVING  THE  WOKD. 


"Blessed  is  the  man  that  feareth  the  Lord,  that  delighteth  greatly  in  his 
commandments."  —  Ps.  cxii.  1. 

CONVERSIOISr  begins  in  consideration.  The  readiest  way 
for  yon  to  know  whether  you  fear  the  Lord,  is,  to  know 
whether  you  fear  sinning ;  for  the  fruit  is  more  visible  than  the 
root.  Blessed,^^  that  is,  happy,  truly  happy,  is  the  man,''  what- 
ever may  be  his  condition  in  regard  to  the  things  of  this  life, 
that  feareth  the  Lord.^^  We  need  not  court  the  friendship  of  the 
world,  while  we  can  have  fellowship  with  God  ;  and  that  we  truly 
have,  if  we  delight  in,  and  are  governed  by,  his  word :  1  John  i. 
3.  A  filial  "fear  of  the  Lord''  brings  with  it  its  own  reward.  A 
Christian  loves  the  Lord  so  well,  that  he  is  afraid  to  offend  him 
by  sinning  against  him ;  he  loves  what  the  Lord  loves,  and  hates 
what  he  does ;  and  God  hates  nothing  but  sin :  Prov.  vi.  16-19. 

"Blessed  is  the  man  that  feareth  the  Lord;"  he  is  blessed  now. 
God  blesses  him,  and  that  blessing  makes  him  happy,  and  enables 
him  to  continue  to  fear  him ;  that  is,  love  him  too  well  to  sin  against 
him.  He  is  blest  with  a  sense  of  his  love  ;  his  forgiving  love  :  Isa. 
xii.  1 ;  his  healing  love  :  Ps.  ciii.  1-3  ;  his  adopting  love :  1  John  iii. 
1.  Such  an  one  must  needs  be  blessed ;  for  he  has  all  kinds  of 
blessings  ;  enough  to  make  any  one  happy  :  Ps.  Ixxxiv.  11.  Holi- 
ness is  the  highway  to  happiness  itself ;  yea,  it  is  happiness  it- 
self :  Eev.  xxii.  14.  All  who  are  happy  in  the  Lord,  not  only  take 
pleasure  in,  but  delight  greatly  in  Jiis  commandments  They 
keep  up  an  intimate  acquaintance  with  them ;  love  to  think  of 
them ;  and  meditate  on  them,  at  all  times,  and  on  all  occasions : 
Ps.  cxix.  97.  Whoever  fears  God,  as  a  dutiful  child  does  a  fond 
father,  must  delight  in,  and  be  well  pleased  with  his  command- 
ments. They  enjoin  nothing  that  is  grievous,  nor  prohibit  any- 
thing that  would  be  good  for  us.  They  are  perfect ;  nothing  can 
be  added  to,  or  taken  from  them :  Ps.  cxix.  138.  They  are  de- 
signed to  bring  us  back  to  ourselves,  to  our  duty,  and  to  our 
God:  2  Tim.  iii.  16,  17.  Many  have  the  commandments  of 
God  in  their  heads,  and  love  to  talk  about  them ;  but  they  are 
the  only  blessed  who  have  them  in  their  hearts,  and  delight 
greatly  in  doing  them:  Ps.  cxix.  165. 


TO  LOVING  THE  WOKD. 


237 


"As  new-born  babes,  desire  the  sincere  mill<  of  the  word,  that  ye  may  grow 
thereby/'  — 1  Pet.  ii.  2. 

"^^FONE  are  likely  to  profit  by  the  word^  but  those  who  love 


--LM  the  word  and  those  who  love  it  will  have  a  desire  after 
it :  Ps.  cxix.  127.  Believers  have  to  learn  from  the  images  of 
nature  the  mysteries  of  grace.  The  God  of  nature  has  kindly 
provided  for  all  nature.  The  new-born  babe  soon  discovers  its 
wants ;  and,  as  if  sensible  of  the  provision  it  has  brought  with 
it,  and  which  it  has  a  natural  right  unto,  it  scarcely  breathes  the 
air,  but  it  begins  to  hunt  after  ^^the  milk^^  to  which  its  tender 
appetite  is  naturally  drawn ;  while  the  affectionate  mother  is 
pleased  and  delighted  to  administer  to  its  wants  and  assists  the 
little  hunter  in  finding  its  desired  object;  and  gazes  with  a 
mother's  pleasure  upon,  while  she  is  imparting  nourishment  to, 
her  tender  infant.  But  great  as  a  parent's  love  is  toward  their 
offspring,  infinitely  greater  is  the  love  of  our  heavenly  Father  to 
his  babes  in  Christ. 

The  desires  of  new-born  babes  after  milk,  are  ardent,  strong,  and 
impatient.  As  neii^-horn  babes/^  when  pinched  with  hunger, 
and  parched  with  thirst,  manifest  such  an  eagerness  to  obtain 
milk,  so  also  should  every  child  of  grace  evince  a  similar  disposi- 
tion, by  his  love  to  and  searching  after,  "  the  milk  of  the  woi^dJ^ 
"Desire  it,"  saith  the  apostle,  ''that  ye  may  groio  thereby feed 
on  it,  that  ye  may  be  strengthened  by  it.  Nothing  can  satisfy 
the  cravings  of  the  infant  like  milk ;  neither  will  anything  sat- 
isfy the  Christian  but  Christ;  hence  he  searches  the  word  that 
testifies  of  him :  John  v.  39.  The  infant  desires  the  milk  just  as 
nature  has  prepared  it ;  so  does  the  believer  "  desire  the  sincere 
milk  of  the  word/^  without  the  least  adulteration  by  art,  eloquence, 
or  any  other  mixture  of  men:  Ps.  xix.  7,  8.  The  desires  of  a 
natural  babe  are  accompanied  with  endeavors  to  obtain  the  milk ; 
a  sight  of  the  breast,  merely,  would  not  satisfy,  but  rather  increase 
its  desires.  And  such  are  the  active  desires  of  a  sincere  Chris- 
tian after  the  word  of  God,  that  they  can  never  be  satisfied  with- 
out it.  Whenever  you  hear  the  word,  "take  heed  how  ye  hear,'^ 
lest  what  you  obtain  be  skimmed  milk,  which  has  been  deprived 
of  its  nourishing  and  strengthening  qualities.  Mind  that  nothing 
is  taken  from  it.    See  that  it  is  not  icatered  milk. 


238 


TO  XHE  GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  TOi.GUE. 


"  Whoso  keepeth  his  mouth  and  his  tongue,  keepeth  his  soul  from  troubles/ 
—  Prov.  xxi.  23. 

A MAN  has  two  ears,  and  but  one  mouth,  and  should  never 
let  out  at  his  mouth  more  than  half  what  enters  in  at  his 
ears.  He  has  two  eyes,  and  but  one  tongue ;  and  ought  never  to 
tell  all  that  he  knows ;  and  should  always  think  twice,  before  he 
speaks  once  :  Prov.  xiv.  3. 

^'  Whoso  keepeth  his  mouth/^  will  watch,  not  only  what  goes  into 
it,  but  also  Avhat  comes  out  of  it ;  for  we  are  exposed  to  greater 
evils  from  what  comes  out  of  the  mouth,  than  from  what  goes 
into  it :  Mark  vii.  20-23.  It  is  well  to  think  much,  and  say 
little ;  and  that  man  acts  with  wisdom,  who  never  leaves  his 
mouth  unguarded,  and  holds  his  tongue with  a  strong  curb  and 
a  tight  rein.  Such  an  one  will  save  himself  from  many  an  aching 
heart,  as  well  as  prevent  the  reproaches  of  others.  The  man 
who  knows  how  to  speak  and  when  to  keep  silence,  evinces  a  wise 
head ;  and,  what  is  still  better,  "  keepeth  his  soul  from  troubles : " 
Prov.  xiii.  3.  Many  have  ruined  themselves  by  their  mouth,  and 
with  their  tongue  have  cut  their  own  throat :  Ps.  Ixiv.  3,  8. 
Little  words  frequently  produce  great  troubles ;  and,  therefore, 
all  who  would  keep  their  souls  from  troubles,  must  keep  the  door 
of  their  lips,  lest  their  mouths  should  let  out  troubles ;  for  some- 
times there  are  many  troubles  in  one  word.  When  a  word  has 
once  got  out  of  the  mouth,  there  is  no  getting  it  in  again ;  nor  any 
telling  where  it  will  fly ;  nor  what  will  be  made  of  it,  if  it  has 
been  spoken  unadvisedly :  Ps.  xxxix.  1.  You  would  do  well  to 
take  out  all  your  words  and  look  at  them  before  you  speak  them. 
Watch  your  words,  keep  your  mouth,  bridle  your  tongue,  and 
examine  your  heart.  We  should  never  venture  to  talk  about  any 
one  we  cannot  speak  well  of.  Evil  words  are  like  poisoned 
arrows ;  and  their  wound  is  most  fatal  when  inflicted  on  the  back. 
It  is  as  hard  a  task  for  some  men  to  say  what  they  ought,  as  it  is 
for  others  not  to  say  more  than  they  ought.  Irritability  urges  us 
to  say  too  much ;  and  a  want  of  candor  too  little.  Troubles  pre- 
vented are  better  than  troubles  cured.  Say  the  worst  you  know 
of  a  man,  in  kindness,  to  his  face ;  and  the  best  you  can  of  him 
when  absent. 


TO  THE  GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  TONGUE. 


239 


"He  that  will  love  life,  and  see  good  days,  let  him  refrain  his  tongue  from 
evil,  and  his  lips  that  they  speak  no  guile.  "  —  1  Pet.  iii.  10. 

THE  tongue  is  a  very  good  servant,  but  a  very  bad  master: 
Hos.  vii.  16.  One  of  the  most  dangerous  and  pernicious 
evils  that  we  have  to  guard  against,  is,  an  unruly  tongue;  and 
the  snares  into  which  men  are  brought  by  this  little,  ungoverna- 
ble member,  are  sometimes  intolerable  to  themselves,  and  ruinous 
to  others  :  James  iii.  6. 

He  that  will  love  Ufe/^  or  what  is  the  comfort  of  life,  peace, 
and  quietness,  let  liim  refrain  his  tongue  from  evil  ^'  speaking ; 
and  carefully  avoid  slandering :  Eccl.  v.  6.  He  that  would  not 
embitter  his  own  life,  and  would  avoid  pulling  down  troubles 
upon  his  own  head,  must  keep  constant  watch  over  Jiis  lips  that 
they  speak  no  guile :  Ps.  xxxii.  2.  Life  without  comfort,  is  not 
worth  calling  life ;  be  careful,  then,  as  you  love  your  life,  to  at- 
tend to  the  prescriptions  here  given ;  that  you  may  lead  a  happy 
life  in  this  unhappy  world.  "  He  that  would  love  life,'^  let  him 
so  live  as  to  make  life  comfortable  and  desirable  :  Ps.  xv.  1-3. 
If  you  love  your  life,  and  would  wish  to  "  see  good  days/^  to  have 
your  days  peaceable  and  prosperous,  "  refrain  your  tongue  from 
evil;  speak  evil  of  no  one,  though  you  may  be  greatly  provoked. 
Should  you  ever  be  in  an  ill  humor,  never  speak  till  you  have 
allowed  yourself  time  to  repeat  the  Lord's  prayer;  and  have 
resolved  with  poor  Job:  chap,  xxvii.  3,  4.  Set  a' strong  watch 
over  your  mouth,  and  guard  your  lips  that  they  speak  ''710  guile.^^ 
Suffer  not  deceit  to  escape  them  ;  be  candid  and  sincere  ;  and  seek 
peace  with  all  men :  Ps.  xxxiv.  12-14.  Eather  die  than  lie. 
By  attending  to  the  mouth  and  tongue,  you  will  not  only  avoid 
troubles,  but  be  delivered  from  them :  Prov.  xii.  6.  A  man  shall 
eat  good  by  the  fruit  of  his  mouth :  Prov.  xiii.  2.  Pleasant  words 
are  as  a  honey-comb,  sweet  to  the  soul,  and  health  to  the  bones : 
Prov.  xvi.  24.  Death  and  life  are  in  the  power  of  the  tongue : 
Prov.  xviii.  20.  By  thy  words  thou  shalt  be  justified,  and  by  thy 
words  shalt  thou  be  condemned :  Matt.  xii.  37.  Let  the  constant 
tenor  of  your  discourse  evince  that  you  are  a  Christian.  If  a 
man  seem  to  be  religious,  and  bridle  not  his  tongue^  his  religion 
is  vain. 


240 


TO  KEEPING  GOOD  COMPANY. 


"Blessed  is  the  man  that  walketh  not  in  the  counsel  of  the  ungodly,  nor 
standeth  in  the  way  of  sinners,  nor  sitteth  in  the  seat  of  the  scornful.*'  — 
Ps.  i.  1. 

&00D  men  walk  by  good  rules ;  and  a  man  may  be  known 
by  the  company  he  keeps :  Prov.  xiii.  20.  The  ungodly 
must  neither  be  feared  nor  followed  ;  whether  they  be  angels  or 
men.  Our  first  parents  dearly  paid  for  walking  in  the  counsel 
of  the  ungodly : Gen.  iii.  4,  5.  And  all  who  walk  in  the  same 
counsel  are  also  called  ungodly  men :  J ude  4. 

Blessed  is  tJie  man,^^  blessed  now,  yea,  and  he  shall  be  blessed, 
that  walketh  not  in  tlie  counsel  of  the  ungodly ^  We  live  in  an 
ungodly  world,  surrounded  by  ungodly  spiritual  enemies  :  Eph. 
vi.  12 ;  and  ungodly  men ;  who,  having  cast  off  all  fear  of,  and 
obedience  to  God,  are  ever  ready  to  counsel  others  to  do  as  they 
have  done  :  Prov.  xvi.  27.  The  first  step  towards  ruin,  is  to  walk 
in  bad  counsel.  Those  who  take  the  first  step,  soon  learn  to  take 
the  second ;  for  having  laid  aside  religion,  and  entered  into  the 
service  of  sin  and  Satan,  they  take  up  arms  against  God,  and  are 
found  "standing  in  the  way  of  shmers,^^  ready  to  pursue  all  man- 
ner of  evil,  while  evil  pursues  them  :  Prov.  xiii.  21.  And  having 
stood  awhile  in  the  way  of  sinners,  they  soon  become  qualified 
to  take  "the  seat  of  the  scornful;  and  that  being  placed  against 
the  gate  of  destruction,  they  can  step  no  lower,  till  they  step 
inside :  Prov.  xix.  29.  It  is  but  a  short  ladder,  of  three  rounds, 
from  happiness  to  wretchedness  —  ungodly  counsel ;  the  sinner's 
way ;  and  scorner's  chair.  Blessed  is  the  man  who  shuns  both 
their  counsel  and  their  way ;  and  the  surest  method  to  avoid  both 
is,  to  shun  their  company ;  for  if  we  walk  with  them,  there  is 
danger  of  listening  to  them.  He  who  walks  not  in  the  counsel 
of  the  ungodly,  is  not  very  likely  to  be  found  standing  in  the 
way  of  sinners;  for  while  he  refuses  to  lend  an  ear  to  their 
ungodly  counsel,  he  will  certainly  not  do  as  sinners  do ;  and  by 
keeping  out  of  the  sinner's  way;  he  will  be  kept  out  of  the 
gcorner's  seat.  Such  an  one  is  blessed  while  living ;  blessed  when 
dying ;  and  shall  be  blessed  forever.  It  is  not  very  difficult  to 
tell  what  will  be  the  end  of  a  man,  when  we  can  see  the  way  in 
which  he  walks. 


TO  KEEPING  GOOD  COMPANY. 


241 


"Come  out  from  among  them,  and  be  ye  separate,  saith  the  Lord,  and 
touch  not  the  unclean  thing  ;  and  I  will  receive  you  ;  and  will  be  a  Father  unto 
you."  — 2  Cor.  vi.  17,  18. 

TTTALK  according  to  God's  direction,  and  you  will  always 


VV  be  sure  of  God's  protection.  Do  all  that  God  commands ; 
avoid  all  that  he  forbids  ]  and  fear  not  what  man  can  do.  Sin  is 
so  very  inf  ectious^  that  to  mix  with  sinners  is  dangerous :  Eccl. 
ix.  18.  Andj  therefore,  if  you  would  not  be  infected  by  them, 
Come  out  from  among  them  ;  "  avoid  their  company  as  you  would 
the  plague ;  have  no  communion  with  them,  but  keep  at  a  dis- 
tance from  them :  Isa.  lii.  11.  Never  make  sinners,  who  delight 
in  their  sins,  your  companions ;  for  you  will  be  more  likely  to 
become  polluted  by  them,  than  they  will  to  be  benefited  by  you ; 
therefore,  "he  ye  separate  Prov.  xiii.  20,  21.  Christ  loved 
sinners,  but  he  was  separate  from  them ;  he  neither  did  as  they 
did,  nor  said  as  they  said.  Sin  is  such  a  filthy  thing,  that  none 
can  have  anything  to  do  with  it  without  being  defiled.  Touch 
not  the  unclean  thing,^^  under  any  consideration  whatever.  Satan 
knows  how  to  paint  and  gild  sin  over,  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
make  it  appear  like  virtue ;  but  still  it  is  unclean.  Pride  he 
calls  neatness  ;  covetousness,  frugality ;  drunkenness,  good-fellow- 
ship ;  rioting,  liberality ;  gambling,  pastime ;  and  wantonness, 
a  trick  of  youth.  Touch  not  the  unclean  thing ; ''  the  gilding 
of  pills  does  not  alter  the  nature  of  them.  Keep  no  company 
where  Christ  is  not  welcome.  A  Christian  should  not  associate 
with  those  who  would  consider  it  an  outrage  on  society  to  intro- 
duce the  subject  of  religion ;  and  whose  conversation  is  such  as 
becometh  not  the  Gospel  of  Christ :  1  Cor.  xv.  33.  If  you  would 
not  be  corrupted  by  them,  "come  out  from  among  them;"  lest 
you  should  become  one  of  them.  A  man  standing  in  the  sun's 
rays,  soon  gets  his  skin  tanned,  imperceptibly.  Was  there  no 
other  reason,  why  we  should  separate  ourselves  from  the  ungodly, 
this  should  be  sufficient,  "  Thus  saith  the  Lord : "  Jer.  vii.  23. 

Aiid  I  will  receive  you;^^  let  who  will  cast  you  off,  the  Lord 
will  take  you  up  :  Ps.  xxvii.  10.  "And  I  ivill  be  a  Father  unto 
you;^^  yea,  and  a  good  Father  too.  jSTo  matter  who  turns  you 
out,  if  God  takes  you  in.  To  keep  your  shoes  clean,  keep  out 
of  the  mud. 


CHAPTER  II. 


PROMISES  TO  DUTIES  OF  THE  SECOND  TABLE. 
TO  OBEDIENCE  TO  PARENTS. 

"My  son,  hear  the  instruction  of  thy  father,  and  forsake  not  the  law  of  thy 
mother;  for  they  shall  be  an  ornament  of  grace  unto  thy  head,  and  chains 
about  thy  neck.''  —  Prov.  i.  8,  9. 

CHILDRElSr,  do  consider  the  relation  you  sustain  to  your 
PARENTS  !  recollect  that  you  are  a  part  of  themselves ;  they 
consider  you  as  such  ;  yea,  and  a  very  tender  part  too  ;  and  in 
proof  of  which,  they  have  often  exposed  themselves  in  order  to 
protect  you.  You  are  under  innumerable  obligations  to  love  and 
obey  them ;  for,  by  night  and  by  day,  you  have  ever  been  the 
objects  of  their  tenderest  care. 

''Hear  the  instruction  of  thy  father;^'  hear  it,  and  regard  it; 
attend  to  it,  and  be  grateful  for  it ;  for  you  may  always  depend 
upon  it,  as  being  designed  to  keep  you  from  evil  and  do  you 
good.  ''And  forsake  not  the  law  of  thy  mother respect  and 
obey  her ;  and  let  all  your  actions  spring  from  love  to  her. 
There  are  many  good  women  in  the  world,  but  remember,  you 
have  but  one  mother  !  No  one  ever  did,  nor  ever  can,  love  you 
with  a  mother^ s  love ;  neither  can  it  be  felt  by  any  but  a  mother. 
Forsake  not  her  law  who  has  been  more  to  you  than  all  the  world 
beside.  Let  your  father  and  mother  know  that  their  love  to  you 
has  not  been  all  lost  upon  you ;  and  this  you  must  do,  by  evinc- 
ing your  love  to  them.  Let  them  see  that  you  prefer  their 
company  to  all  others  ;  that  you  desire  their  good  opinions, 
whatever  others  may  think  of  you ;  and  strive  in  all  things  to 
please  them.  Consult  them,  and  make  them  your  counsellors 
on  all  occasions  ;  and  however  they  may  differ  from  your  opinion, 
confide  in  theiy  wisdoij). 


TO  OBEDIENCE  TO  PARENTS. 


243 


"Honor  thy  father  and  mother,  (which  is  the  first  commandment  with 
promise,)  that  it  may  be  we!l  with  thee,  and  thou  may  est  live  long  on  the 
earth:' -—^^h.  vi.  2,  3. 

OBEDIEKCE  belongs  to  all  children,  let  their  age,  sex,  or 
condition,  be  what  they  may ;  and  they  are  in  duty  bound  to 
obey  both  parents ;  the  mother  as  well  as  the  father ;  indeed  she 
is  first  named :  Lev.  xix.  3.  We  have  in  this  passage  plainly 
expressed, 

First.  The  duties  of  children  to  parents ;  "  Honor  tliy  father 
and  motlier :  including,  1st.  Obedience  to  all  their  lawful  com- 
mands. Whatever  may  be  the  defects,  or  circumstances  of  your 
parents,  common  gratitude,  nature,  reason,  and  the  word  of  God, 
all  say  you  ought  to  love  and  obey  them:  Col.  iii.  20.  Come, 
when  they  call  you ;  go,  where  they  send  you ;  and  abstain  from 
what  they  forbid  you.  2d.  Submission  to  their  instruction^, 
rebukes,  and  corrections :  Prov.  i.  8,  9.  There  can  be  no  lionor 
without  submission.  3d.  Disposing  of  themselves  according  to 
their  advice,  consent,  and  instructions ;  and  being  careful  never 
to  waste  their  property  :  Prov.  vi.  20,  21.  Honor  them  in  heart, 
speech,  and  behavior.  4th.  Endeavoring  in  all  things  to  be  their 
comfort  through  life :  Prov.  xxiii.  22.  Actions  will  honor  them 
more  than  words.  6th.  By  outward  acts  evincing  an  inwar(J 
esteem  for  them,  in  preference  to  all  others. 

Secondly.  The  reason  annexed;  which  is,  Eirst,  a  promise; 
"  tliat  it  may  he  well  witJi  theeJ'  1st.  It  is  a  promise  of  well-doing. 
Obey  them  in  all  things  which  are  not  forbidden  in  the  word  of 
God ;  and  always  let  your  words  correspond  with  the  reverence 
you  feel  for  them  in  your  hearts.  In  honoring  your  parents,  you 
honor  the  Lord's  commandment :  Eph.  vi.  1.  And,  2d.  Those 
who  obey  the  command,  may  expect  a  fulfilment  of  the  promise ; 
as  is  evident  from  Joseph :  Gen.  xlvii.  12 ;  and  Euth,  chap.  i. 
16,  17 ;  and  Jesus  :  Luke  ii.  51.  Secondly.  A  threatening  im- 
plied ;  as  is  evident,  1st.  Erom  precept.  See  Deut.  xxi.  18-21 ; 
and  xxvii.  16.  And,  2d.  Erom  example.  Ham  was  cursed  of  his 
father,  for  dishonoring  him :  Gen.  ix.  25 ;  and  the  sons  of  Eli 
were  cut  off  for  their  disobedience:  1  Sam.  ii.  25.  "  This  is  the 
first  commandment,^^  of  the  second  table. 


244 


TO  FAITHFUL  SERVANTS. 


wise  servant  shall  have  rule  over  a  son  that  cau set h  shame,**  —  Prov. 

xvii.  2. 

SEEVANTS,  you  are  here  encouraged  to  be  faithful,  diligent, 
and  constant,  in  your  employments,  though  they  may  be 
mean  and  laborious.  Do  not  think,  that  because  you  are  poor 
you  cannot  thrive,  or  be  preferred ;  for  a  man  might  be  born  in 
a  valley,  and  afterwards  live  on  a  hill.  A  wise  servant,^^  who 
manages  well,  and  is  faithful  in  what  has  been  intrusted  to  his 
care,  shall,  not  only  have  equal  rule,  but  "  rule  over  a  son  that 
causeth  shame by  his  foolishness  and  imprudence.  Be  thankful 
with,  and  faithfully  improve  what  you  have  ;  and  you  will  be 
intrusted  with  more  :  Prov.  xxvii.  18.  And,  admitting  that  his 
master  should  not  feel  sufficient  interest  in  him  to  give  him  a 
son's  estate,  as  is  sometimes  the  case,  yet,  that  soul  that  is  with- 
out grace,  is  far  poorer  than  that  servant  whose  pockets  are 
without  money.  While  you  endeavor  to  discharge  faithfully 
every  duty  you  owe  to  others,  forget  not  those  you  owe  to  your 
self;  for  it  will  never  answer  any  valuable  purpose  to  build  a 
good  house  on  a  bad  foundation.  Whatever  may  be  your  lawful 
business,  make  religion  your  main-business  ;  and  that  will  enable 
you  to  perform,  cheerfully  and  faithfully,  your  daily  business. 
Eespect  your  employers  ;  fear  to  offend  them ;  be  as  conscientious 
in  the  discharge  of  every  duty  when  they  are  absent,  as  when 
they  are  present;  do  all  with  cheerfulness  and  good-will;  and 
that  will  make  duty  a  delight,  and  please  those  whom  you  serve. 
Always  show  a  good-will  toward  every  member  of  the  family  you 
are  in;  and  rather  suffer  wrong,  than  do  wrong.  Your  employers 
may  have  the  command  of  your  bodies  and  services,  but  not  of 
your  consciences.  Have  one  eye  on  your  employer,  and  the  other 
on  Christ :  Eph.  vi.  5-8.  You  may  be  exposed  to  many  tempta- 
tions, but  yield  to  none  of  them.  Be  sober  in  every  respect.  Be 
chaste;  remembering  that  your  character  is  your  all ;  let  no  enemy 
rob  you  of  this  your  passport  through  life ;  lest  you  become 
blighted,  abandoned,  and  forlorn.  Be  frugal  on  all  occasions; 
both  with  your  own,  and  that  with  which  you  are  intrusted. 
Faithfully  discharge  every  duty:  and  if  you  would  be  obliger] 
yourself,  study  to  oblige  others, 


TO  FAITHFUL  SERVANTS. 


245 


"Servants,  obey  in  all  things  your  masters  according  to  the  flesh ;  not  with 
eye-service,  as  men-pleasers ;  but  in  singleness  of  heart,  fearing  God."^ 
Col.  iii.  22. 

A GOOD  servant  is  more  honorable  than  a  bad  master. 
Christ's  free  men  may  be  servants  to,  but  not  of  men: 
John  viii.  32,  36.  "Servants^  obey  in  all  things,'^  that  God  has 
not  forbidden/ "  t/our  masters  according  to  tJie  JlesJi.^^  Do,  love, 
and  live,  your  duty ;  but  should  you  be  commanded  to  violate 
one  of  God's  commands,  it  will  be  your  duty,  mildly,  but  firmly^ 
to  refuse  to  obey  them.  A  righteous  servant  is  of  greater  value, 
in  the  Lord's  account,  than  a  wicked  master :  Prov.  xxii.  1-4. 
Serve  in  all  things  lawfully,  but  in  nothing  sinfully :  Acts  v.  29. 

N'ot  with  ey e- service  '/^  as  those  who  are  very  diligent  in  their 
master's  presence,  but  very  negligent  in  his  absence  ;  "  as  men- 
pleasers;^^  who,  if  they  can  but  please  their  masters,  care  noth- 
ing about  profiting  them,  nor  (Z^'spleasing  God.  Be  faithful  in 
the  discharge  of  every  duty,  at  all  times,  but  especially  in  the  ab- 
sence of  your  employer ;  for  you  will  thereby  secure  his  confidence, 
and  a  good  conscience."  "In  singleness  of  heart,^^  in  honesty  of 
intention,    fearing  God.^^ 

That  servant  who  feai'S  God,  will  always  act  faithfully  toward 
his  master ;  because  he  knows  the  eye  of  God  is  constantly  upon 
him :  Neh.  v.  15.  There  is  no  situation  in  which  you  can  be 
placed,  that  will  excuse  neglect  of  God  ;  fear  him,  and  you  need 
fear  nothing  else;  for  nothing  can  harm  you  but  sin;  and  the 
fear  of  offending  Him  will  keep  you  from  sinning.  Set  the  Lord 
always  before  you  ;  make  religion  your  chief  concern ;  and  while 
,your  hands  are  engaged  below,  let  your  heart  be  engaged  above : 
Luke  X.  42.  Endeavor,  by  an  affable,  gentle,  and  obliging  de- 
portment, to  gain  the  esteem  and  confidence  of  every  one  in  the 
family  whom  you  may  serve ;  and  let  no  opportunity  slip  of  mak- 
ing yourself  more  and  more  acquainted  with  the  word  of  God. 
Servants  who  fear  God,  will  do  all  things  to  his  glory ;  and  suffer 
no  wages  to  tempt  them  to  go  to,  or  continue  in,  any  situation 
where  the  Lord's  day  is  taken  from  them.  In  the  busiest  of 
times,  always  find  time  to  pray ;  and  God  will  find  an  opportu- 
nity to  bless  you  :  Col.  iii,  24, 


246 


TO  FAITHFUL  MINISTERS. 


"  Thou  sha/f  go  to  all  that  I  shall  send  thee,  and  whatsoever  I  command 
thee,  thou  shalt  speak.  Be  not  afraid  of  their  faces ;  for  I  am  with  thee  to 
deliver  thee,  saith  the  Lord.''  —  Jer.  i.  7,  8. 

IF,  like  Paul,  you  are  constrained  to  say,  "  Wo  is  unto  me,  if  I 
preach  not  the  Gospel ! "  and,  from  a  sense  of  your  insuffi- 
ciency, cry  out  with  Jeremiah,  "  I  am  a  child ! "  you  will  not  be 
offended  at  any  one  offering  to  instruct  you ;  admitting  he  be  a 
child,  both  in  years  and  experience.  Eli  listened  attentively  to 
a  message  delivered  by  the  child  Samuel.  Moses  made  many  ex- 
cuses, but  God  was  not  pleased  with  them  ;  and  Jeremiah  made 
many  modest  objections,  but  God  removed  them,  and  graciously 
encouraged  him. 

Thoii  shalt  go  to  all  that  I  shall  send  thee^^  is  the  Lord's  dec- 
laration to  the  one  whom  He  commissions.  If  you  are  fully  con- 
vinced of  its  being  your  duty  to  bear  the  tidings  of  salvation  to  a 
lost  and  ruined  world,  you  have  great  cause  to  be  humble ;  and 
may  well  exclaim,  Who  is  sufficient  for  these  things  ?  2  Cor. 
ii.  16.  But  be  not  discouraged;  though  humbly,  go  cheerfully 
wheresoever,  and  to  whomsoever,  God  shall  send  you;  and  re- 
member, that  you  have  no  choice  in  this  matter,  neither  as  it 
regards  where  you  are  to  go,  nor  what  you  are  to  say :  Ezek. 
xxxiii.  7.  He  who  gave  you  your  mission,  will  also  give  your 
message ;  so  that  you  need  never  be  at  a  loss  what  to  say.  And 
whatsoever  I  command  thee,  thou  shalt  speak.^^  Whether  men  re- 
ceive your  message,  or  are  offended  at  it,  is  not  your  business ; 
for  what  God  says,  that  you  must  say,  without  adding  to,  or  tak- 
ing from  it :  Act:^  xx.  26,  27.  And  though  you  may,  yea,  will, 
have  many  to  oppose  you,  who  do  not  love  the  truth,  "  Be  not 
afraid  of  their  faces,^^  though  they  may  appear  big,  bold,  and  dar- 
ing, and  would  look  you  out  of  countenance.  For  I  am  with 
thee  to  deliver  thee,  saith  the  Lord.''  Declaring  the  truth  faith- 
fully, may  bring  you  into  trouble  ;  but  the  God  of  truth  will 
bring  you  out  of  trouble.  By  preaching  what  the  Lord  com- 
mands, you  may  offend  some  of  your  pretended  friends ;  and 
cause  enemies  to  rise  up  against  you ;  but  that  should  give  you 
but  little  concern ;  "/or  /  am  with  thee,^'  saith  He,  whose  mes- 
sage you  deliver.  Deliver  it  faithfully;  and  live  what  you 
preach;  for  the  world  will  watch  you. 


TO  FAITHFUL  MINISTERS. 


247 


"  Take  heed  unto  thyself,  and  unto  the  doctrine ;  continue  in  them  :  for  in 
doing  this,  thou  shalt  both  save  thyself,  and  them  that  hear  thee.**  —  1  Tim. 
iv.  16. 

MEN  of  learning  and  character  have  confirmed  the  impres- 
sion, that  the  office  of  the  ministry,  which  was  formerly  a 
SACRIFICE,  is  now  become  a  trade.  Take  heed  to  thyself;  "  and 
what  thou  teachest  to  others,  be  careful  to  practise  thyself.  Give 
attendance  to  reading  and  meditation ;  neglect  not  the  gift  that  is 
in  thee ;  and  never  suffer  that  plant  to  wither  for  the  want  of 
proper  care  :  ver.  13,  14.  It  is  a  painful  calling  thou  art  engaged 
in ;  but  be  not  slothful  in  it ;  spare  no  pains ;  think  no  trial  too 
great,  nor  any  cross  too  heavy,  in  order  to  become  a  good  work- 
man at  thy  business :  2  Tim.  ii.  15.  Be  not  afraid  of  wearing 
out ;  for  that  would  be  far  better  than  rusting  out :  2  Tim.  iv.  2. 
And  whilst  thou  preachest  against  worldly-mindedness,  ^Hake 
heed  unto '  thyself :  1  Pet.  v.  2.  Be  not  encumbered  with  any- 
thing belonging  to  this  world,  that  you  can  possibly  do  without ; 
but  let  the  salvation  of  precious  souls  be  your  chief  concern :  1 
Tim.  vi.  11.  Take  heed  to  thyself ; and  convince  the  people, 
that  it  is  for  them,  and  not  for  theirs,  that  thou  art  laboring :  Isa. 
Ixii.  1.  And  to  the  doctrine : See  to  it  that  what  you  preach  is 
pure,  and  uncorrupted  as  it  came  from  God ;  without  being  adul- 
terated with  the  inventions  of  men  :  Matt,  xxviii.  20.  And  hav- 
ing received  the  true  doctrine,  or  truths  of  the  Gospel,  ^'continue 
in  them  ;  for  they  have  God  in  Christ  as  their  Author  —  Matter 
—  and  End:  1  Tim.  vi.  1-5.  "For  in  doing  this,'^  according  to 
that  ability  which  God  hath  given  thee,  "  thou  shalt  save  thyself 
from  all  the  baneful  consequences  of  handling  the  word  of  God 
deceitfully ;  "  and  them  that  hear  thee  from  that  condemnation 
that  rests  upon  all  unbelievers  :  John  iii.  18,  36.  The  work  thou 
art  engaged  in  is  a  saving  work ;  and  by  taking  heed  to  thyself  — 
knowing  the  truth  thyself  and  faithfully,  and  plainly  preach- 
ing and  living  the  truth  thyself,  "  them  that  hear  thee will  be 
led  to  live  and  obey  the  truth  :  and  be  saved  through  believing, 
from  that  guilt  consequent  upon  unbelief:  John  iv.  36.  The 
truth  must  be  heard  before  it  can  be  believed. 


248 


TO  FAITHFUL  MINISTERS. 


"  Thou  shaft  stand  before  me ;  and  if  thou  take  the  precious  from  the  vile, 
thou  shalt  be  as  my  mouth  ;  let  them  return  unto  thee ;  but  return  not  thou 
unto  them."  —  Jer.  xv.  19. 

A FAITHFUL  minister  is  Christ's  ambassador:  2  Cor.  v.  20. 
Ministers  are  watchmen ;  and  so  long  as  the  souls  over 
whom  they  watch  are  in  danger,  they  will  have  to  be  wakeful, 
watchful,  and  laborious :  Ezek.  xxxiii.  7.  Thou  shalt  stand 
before  me/'  to  receive  my  message  at  my  mouth ;  and  see  to  it 
that  thou  keep  not  silence  ;  nor  think  of  sitting  at  ease  upon  the 
walls  of  Zion  :  Isa.  Ixii.  6.  And  it  is  at  a  minister's  peril,  to 
diminish  a  word  of  all  that  God  commands  :  Jer.  xxvi.  2.  There 
are  three  things  in  which  God  requires  all  his  ministers  to  be 
faithful. 

1st.  If  thou  take  the  precious  from  the  vile,^  as  the  husbandman 
does  the  wheat  from  the  chaff ;  bearing  in  mind  that  every  grain 
of  wheat  is  enveloped  in  a  coat  of  chaff :  Matt.  iii.  12.  Take  the 
precious  blood  of  Christ  from  the  impure  acts  of  man ;  and  never 
suffer  them  to  be  mixed  in  the  price  of  redemption  :  1  Pet.  i.  18; 
19.  Draw  the  line  between  the  precious  sons  of  Zion,  whatever 
might  be  their  outward  condition,  and  vile  professors :  Lam.  iv.  2. 
Distinguish  between  precious  faith  and  vile  hypocrisy  :  2  Pet.  i.  1. 
Suffer  not  the  precious  work  of  the  Lord  to  be  mingled  with  the 
vile  traditions  of  men :  1  Sam.  iii.  1 ;  Matt.  xv.  9.  If  thou  dost 
thus  prove  thyself  to  be  a  workman, 

2d.  "  Thou  shalt  be  as  my  inouth.^^  As  though  he  had  said,  if 
thou  stand  upon  thy  post  as  a  servant ;  deliver  my  message  faith- 
fully ;  do  all  in  thy  power  to  dissuade,  alarm,  or  persuade  them  to 
return  unto  me ;  all  thou  hast  said  shall  be  made  good,  just  the 
same  as  if  by  my  own  mouth  I  had  spoken  it : "  Isa.  xliv.  26. 
And, 

3d.  Stand  fast,  Let  them  return  %into  thee ;  "  they  must  bring 
their  hearts  and  lives  to  my  words  ;  but  return  thou  not  unto 
them ;  "  for  my  law  must  not  be  brought  down  to  them  ;  there- 
fore, think  not  to  make  the  matter  easier  by  a  compliance  to  their 
wishes.  Closely  adhere  to  the  instructions  God  gives,  and  never 
vary  in  the  least  to  accommodate  any  one.  When  you  preach  the 
TRUTH,  preach  it  in  such  a  manner  as  to  convince  your  hearers. 


TO  FAITHFUL  MINISTERS. 


249 


"And  when  the  chief  Shepherd  shall  appear,  ye  shall  receive  a  crown  of 
glory  xhat  fadeth  not  away."  —  1  Pet.  v.  4. 

Qi  AT AIS"  has  his  ministers  ;  and  they  generally  contrive  to  make 


themselves  look  like  the  ministers  of  Christ :  2  Cor.  xi.  15. 
Such  ministers  are  as  zealous  in  promoting  error,  as  the  true 
servants  of  Christ  are  in  promoting  truth.  In  the  general,  they 
are  influenced  to  preach  by  the  love  of  money,  power,  or  applause ; 
but  their  end  is  according  to  their  works :  1  Tim.  vi.  10.  But 
a  faithful  minister  is  constrained  by  the  love  of  Christ,  to  preach 
the  Gospel  of  Christ :  2  Cor.  v.  14,  15.  Christ  is  God's  Shepherd  : 
Zech.  xiii.  7.  And  when  the  chief  Shepherd,^'  who  owns  all  the 
sheep  :  John  iii.  35 ;  supplies  all  their  needs  :  J ohn  x.  15,  16 ; 
has  the  management  of  the  w^hole  flock :  Heb.  xiii.  20 ;  who  re- 
deemed them  with  his  own  blood  :  1  Pet.  i.  18,  19 ;  who  with- 
holds no  good  thing  from  them  :  John  vi.  50,  51 ;  and  who  is  the 
Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  souls  :  1  Pet.  ii.  25 ;  when  he  "  shcdl 
apjjear/^  you  shall  not  be  forgotten.  When  Jesus  Christ,  the 
Owner,  Euler,  Protector,  Lover,  and  Shepherd  of  his  sheep,  "shall 
appear,'^  to  reckon  with  all  his  under-shepherds,  he  will  not  be 
unmindful  of  your  services  and  labors  of  love  ;  for  then,  "  ye  shall 
receive  a  crown  of  life^  That  is  the  reward  promised  to  all  who 
love  his  appearing :  2  Tim.  iv.  8. 

You  may,  from  the  many  discouragements  you  will  have  to 
contend  with,  and  a  sense  of  your  own  weakness,  be  ready  to 
conclude,  after  laboring  hard  and  long,  that  your  labors  have  been 
all  lost :  Isa.  xlix.  4 ;  and  that  you  will  speak  no  more  in  the 
name  and  cause  of  Christ :  Jer.  xx.  9 ;  but  let  nothing  discourage 
you  in,  nor  allure  you  from,  the  path  of  duty  :  Acts  xx.  24.  Your 
reward  is  with  the  Lord,  whose  servant  you  are ;  and  after  your 
work  is  faithfully  done,  "  ye  shall  receive  a  crown  of  glory ; ''  an 
ever-flourishing,  incorruptible,  never-fading  crown :  1  Pet.  i.  4. 
Your  time  of  sorrow  cannot  last  Icoig ;  but  your  "  crown  of  glory  '• 
will  wear  forever :  Dan.  xii.  3.  Pay  great  attention,  not  only  to 
the  matter,  but  also  to  the  manner  of  your  preaching:  in  nar- 
ration, be  distinct ;  in  reasoning,  slow  5  in  persuasion,  strong. 
Abandon  every  vitiated  habit. 


250      TO  THEM  THAT  HEARKEN  TO  GOD^S  MINISTERS. 


"Believe  in  the  Lord  your  God,  so  sliall  ye  be  established ;  believe  his 
prophets,  so  shall  ye  prosper."  —  2  Chron.  xx.  20. 

FAITH  in  God  is  better  than  sword  in  hand.  Faith  has  sub- 
dued armies  :  Heb.  xi.  33^  34 ;  and  assuredly  will  overcome 
the  world.  '^Believe  in  the  Lord  your  God,^  and  you  will  need 
neither  bow,  spear,  shield,  nor  sword ;  for  the  God  of  Israel  will 
fight  for  the  Israel  of  God :  J osh.  xxiii.  10.  While  you  firmly 
rely  on  the  Lord  your  God/^  it  matters  not  who,  or  what,  comes 
out  against  you :  Deut.  xxviii.  7.  To  believe  in  the  Lord,  is  to 
trust  in,  and  repose  our  minds  upon,  his  grace  and  love  to  us  in 
Jesus  Christ ;  to  receive  him  just  as  he  has  revealed  himself  to 
us ;  to  believe  his  prophets,''  who  testify  of  his  love  to  us  in 
his  Son,  and  of  peace  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost.  It  is  not  said 
that  you  are  to  believe  all  who  call  themselves  his  prophets, 
without  once  questioning  their  authority,  or  the  truth  of  what 
they  say ;  or  taking  the  trouble  to  examine  the  doctrines  they 
teach :  1  John  iv.  1.  But,  on  the  contrary,  when  they  come  in 
the  name  of  God,  examine  all  they  say  by  the  word  of  God :  Acts 
xvii.  11.  Faith  comes  by  hearing;  it  is,  therefore,  your  duty 
and  privilege  to  attend  on  the  ministry  of  the  word  :  Eom.  x.  17. 
The  Lord  commands  us. 

First,  To  believe  in  Him :  He  is  set  forth  as  the  object  of  our 
faith.  Believe  in  him  as  your  God  and  Father  ;  considering  the 
fulness,  freeness,  and  suitableness  of  his  promises ;  rest  all  your 
concerns  in  his  hands,  just  as  little  children  confide  in  their 
parents  :  Ps.  ciii.  13,  14.  And  believe  his  propheis,^^  or  his  min- 
isters who  preach  the  truths  spoken  by  the  prophets ;  for  all  who 
are  sent  of  God,  preach  that  Saviour  who  was  spoken  of  by  all 
the  prophets  of  God:  Luke  i.  68-70. 

Secondly,  Encourage  our  faith  by  a  brace  of  promises,  1st. 
So  shall  ye  be  established :  you  shall  be  firmly  fixed  and  settled 
in  your  mind ;  and  no  longer,  as  one  lame,  go  halting  between 
two  opinions ;  or  tossed  about  by  every  wind  that  blows :  Heb. 
xiii.  9.  And,  2d.  So  shall  ye  j^rosper : "  you  shall  increase  in 
knowledge  of  divine  things  ;  your  faith  in  the  promises  shall 
grow  stronger;  your  evidence  of  acceptance  with  God,  become 
clearer ;  and  your  acquaintance  with  him,  greater. 


TO  THEM  THAT  HEARKEK  TO  GOD^S  MINISTERS.  251 


**  He  that  receiveth  a  prophet  in  the  name  of  a  prophet,  shall  receive  a 
pi^phet's  reward.''  —  Matt.  x.  41. 

THE  best  of  men  often  meet  with  the  worst  of  treatment.  Our 
gracious  Lord,  when  sending  his  disciples  forth  to  preach 
the  blessed  Gospel,  well  knew  that  many  would  not  only  be 
ungrateful  enough  to  reject  his  gracious  message,  but  also  ill  use 
his  ministers  :  John  xvi.  2.  Notwithstanding,  for  their  encour- 
agement, he  gives  them  to  understand  that  some  would  receive 
their  message,  and  them  too ;  that  their  labors  should  not  be  in 
vain ;  and  whatever  was  done  unto  them  he  should  consider  as 
done  to  himself :  Matt.  x„  40. 

"  He  tJiat  receiveth  a  propJiet,^^  not  because  he  is  respectable, 
learned,  or  witty ;  or  because  he  has  done  him  some  act  of  kind- 
ness, or  is  likely  so  to  do;  but  '^in  tJie  name  of  a  propliet;^^ 
because  he  is  a  disciple  of  Christ's,  and  as  such  bears  the  image  of 
Christ ;  "  sliall  receive  a  prophet'' s  reward : Heb.  vi.  10.  Should 
he  be  weak,  he  must  be  received ;  and  what  he  says  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord,  must  be  listened  to  with  as  great  attention  as  though 
he  was  strong  and  eloquent.  Should  he  be  called  an  "  impostor ^''^ 
you  are  not  to  look  upon  him  as  such,  until  you  have  proved  him 
to  be  one ;  but  receive  him  in  the  name  of  a  prophet ; ''  and 
should  it  afterwards  prove  that  you  were  deceived,  God  will  not 
suffer  your  well-meant  labor  of  love  to  be  forgotten  :  you  shall 
have,  not  an  impostor's,  but  a  ^^propJiefs  reward ; "  though  it  be 
proved  in  the  end  that  he  was  not  a  prophet.  And  if  he  be  a 
prophet,  whom  you  have  received  in  that  name,  you  shall  have 
his  prayers,  and  God's  blessing  :  Gen.  xx.  7.  Be  careful  that  you 
slight  not  one  of  God's  ministers ;  for  by  slighting  one  of  them, 
you  slight  Him  that  sent  him. 

Consider  the  blessedness  of  receiving  a  prophet,  or  minister, 
sent  by  Christ ;  that  is,  not  only  welcome  his  person,  but  attend 
to  his  message  ;  you  shall  have  a  ''prophet'^ s  reicardJ^  What  more 
can  you  desire  ?  A  prophet  has  a  present  reward  in  obeying  his 
Lord's  commands :  Ps.  cxix.  165.  He  has  claim  to  all  the  promises 
of  God  in  Christ :  2  Cor.  i.  20 ;  and  an  assurance  of  a  crown  of 
life  :  2  Tim.  iv.  6-8.  You  may  think  wrong ;  but  be  sure  you  act 
right.  To  know  a  prophet,  you  must  try  his  spirit:  1  John  iv  1.  2. 


252 


TO  LOVE  AND  UNITY. 


"Behold,  how  good  and  how  pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  to  (Iwell  together  in 
unity  f  "  —  Ps.  cxxxiii.  1. 

ABEAHAM  and  Lot  separated  to  prevent  strife ;  and  that 
caused  a  great  deal  of  trouble  in  the  end  :  Gen.  xiii.  9  ;  xiv. 
12-16.  "  Behold !  Look  !  Do  consider,  "  how  good  it  is for  us ; 
how  agreeable  unto  us;  and  how  comfortable  it  will  make  us! 
how  very  good  —  how  inconceivably  and  inexpressibly  good  !  and 
"  how  pleasant  it  is !  how  delightful !  how  agreeable  to  us,  and 
pleasing  to  God!  "for  brethren  to  dwell  togetJier  in  unity  I The 
tuDre  we  live  in  unity  with  our  brethren,  the  happier  we  shall  be 
in  ourselves ;  and  the  greater  benefit  shall  we  derive  as  a  church 
or  society.  The  objects  of  God's  love  should  ever  be  the  objects 
of  our  love  :  1  John  v.  1.  God's  peculiar  love  to  us  should  pro- 
duce a  peculiar  love  in  us  :  1  John  iii.  16.  What  a  contrast, 
"brethren  dwelling  together  in  unity,"  presents  with  those  that 
cannot  live  together  for  enmity !  "  How  unnatural  it  is "  for 
BRETHREN  to  bc  Snapping  and  snarling,  debating  and  contending, 
quarrelling  and  brawling,  envying  and  backbiting,  reproaching 
and  deriding,  tearing  and  devouring,  one  another  i  Gal.  v.  15.  It 
is  natural  for  a  wolf  to  kill  a  lamb ;  but  very  imnatural  for  lambs 
to  kill,  or  even  wound  each  other.  If  there  is  happiness  to  be 
enjoyed  on  earth,  it  certainly  is  among  "  brethren  who  dwell  together 
in  U7iityJ^  Union  ever  tends  to  augment  the  happiness  of  its 
possessor  —  to  recommend  divine  truth  to  all  around  —  to  extend 
the  kingdom  of  the  Eedeemer  upon  earth  —  and  to  give  strength 
and  stability  to  the  Christian  course  :  2  Cor.  xiii.  11.  For,  "  Be- 
hold !  how  good  and  how  pleasant  it  is  ! "  How  precious  are  their 
joys ;  and  how  pleasantly  their  days,  weeks,  months,  and  years 
glide  away,  while  dwelling  together  in  unity!  They  dwell  to- 
gether in  paradise  below,  till  removed  to  paradise  above. 

There  are  some  things  to  be  avoided,  and  others  to  be  per- 
formed, in  order  to  promote  Christian  union.  1st.  A  spirit  of 
evil  surmising  ;  uncharitable  thoughts  ;  evil-speaking ;  detraction; 
and  a  reservedness  of  disposition,  must  be  studiously  avoided : 
Eph.  iv.  22-26.  And,  2d.  A  regular  dependence  upon  God,  and  a 
uniformity  of  conduct,  must  be  daily  attended  to. 


TO  LOVE  AND  UNITY. 


268 


"By  this  shall  all  men  know  that  ye  are  my  discipleSy  if  ye  have  love  one  to 
another."  —  John  xiii.  35. 

n^TATUEE  says,  love  thyself;   but  Grace  and  Christ  say, 


-LM  Love  one  another/'  Love  is  so  essential  a  part  of  relig- 
ion, that  there  is  no  possibility  of  being  a  Christian  without  it :  1 
John  iii.  10.  "By  ^/iis'^  —  the  livery  which  all  Christ's  servants 
wear,  and  which  distinguishes  them  from  the  men  of  the  world, 
who  love  none  but  themselves  —  says  the  blessed  Eedeemer, 
"  shall  all  men  know  that  ye  are  my  disciples  J  ^  By  this  plain,  but 
honorable  badge,  any  one  may  know  for  himself,  whether  he  is  a 
disciple  of  Christ ;  for  this  is  the  Christian's  low-water  mark :  1 
John  iii.  14.  "By  this,'^  when  clouds  and  darkness  are  around 
him,  and  doubts  and  fears  are  within  him,  and  when  every  other 
mark  appears  to  have  been  removed,  he  knows  that  he  is  passed 
from  death  unto  life.  But  this  knowledge  is  not  confined  to 
themselves,  nor  a  few  of  their  intimate  friends ;  for  the  Saviour 
declares,  "  By  this  shall  all  men  know  that  ye  are  my  disciplesJ' 
They  shall  not  conjecture,  or  guess,  or  think,  that  you  look  like 
Christians ;  their  doubts  will  be  removed,  and  they  shall  know  of 
a  truth  that  ye  are  his  disciples,  "  if  ye  have  love  one  to  another 
It  is  worthy  of  remark,  our  Lord  does  not  say,  if  ye  possess  love 
—  make  a  show  of  love  —  or  talk  about  love  —  but  if  ye  have 
LOVE  one  to  another :  1  John  iv.  19-21.  Where  real  love  is 
absent,  true  faith  is  never  present :  Gal.  v.  6.  Those  who  are 
destitute  of  love  are  ignorant  of  its  true  value.  Love  enables  us 
to  be  patient  under  trouble ;  slow  to  anger;  to  forgive  injuries; 
to  be  kind  to  our  enemies ;  to  deny  ourselves ;  to  do  good  to  our 
neighbors ;  to  mourn  over  the  faults  and  afilictions  of  others  ;  to 
kindly  bear  with  the  infirmities  of  all ;  and  makes  the  present 
life  like  a  little  heaven  among  ourselves ;  while  it  strongly  rec- 
ommends us  to  the  esteem  of  others  :  1  Cor.  xiii.  1-8. 

All  who  are  the  "  children  of  God  by  faith,"  maintaining  the 
same  common  principles,  influenced  by  the  same  motives,  sharing 
in  the  same  enjoyments,  and  bearing  the  same  Father's  image, 
are  the  subjects  of  a  mutual  and  tender  affection  for  each  other ; 
and  which  expresses  itself  by  every  possible  act  of  kindness.  It 
is  natural  for  disciples  to  imitate  their  master. 


254 


TO  THE  PEACE-MAKERS. 


"  To  the  counsellors  of  peace  is  joy  J"  — Frov.  xii.  20. 

OTHING  can  be  more  contrary  to  the  gospel  of  peace,  than 
strife  and  contention ;  which  not  only  bring  confusion,  but 
every  other  evil  work :  Prov.  xvii.  14.  Those  who  have  become 
reconciled  to  God  will  use  every  lawful  mean  to  be  at  peace  with 
men :  Rom.  xii.  18.  If  we  have  lost  peace,  it  is  our  duty  to  seek 
after,  and  pursue  it,  till  we  obtain  it :  Heb.  xii.  14.  Every  real 
Christian  is  a  subject  of  the  Prince  of  peace  :  Isa.  ix.  6.  He  is, 
therefore,  for  peace ;  he  loves  peace ;  he  pursues  and  strives  for 
peace ;  he  would  fain  live  peaceably  with  all  men ;  and  pick  up  a 
quarrel  with  no  man :  Ps.  cxx.  7.  He  is  more  desirous  to  obtain 
peace  than  wealth  ]  hence  it  is,  that  he  has  an  abundance  of  peace : 
Ps.  xxxvii.  11. 

"  To  the  counsellors  of  'peaee^^  who  study  and  deliberate  on  mak- 
ing peace ;  who  devise  ways  and  means  how  to  bring  about  and 
restore  peace;  who  direct,  advise,  admonish  others  to  be  dX 'peace; 
who  labor  for  peace  as  a  faithful  and  able  counsellor  does  for  his 
client ;  to  all  such  counsellors  the  Lord  has  promised  a  handsome 
fee ;  which  is  joy."  The  counsellors  of  peace  may  differ  upon 
some  points  from  those  of  the  law ;  inasmuch  as  it  is  the  business 
of  those  of  peace  to  make  up  breaches ;  heal  wounds  ;  sew  up 
rents ;  mend  gaps ;  dress  old  hurts ;  allay  tumults ;  quell  riots  ; 
and  plead  causes;  without  being  hired.  But,  admitting  they 
have  the  most  work,  they  have  the  best  fee ;  and  it  is  the  most 
certain ;  for  the  counsellor  of  law  often  loses  his  fee ;  but  "  to 
the  counsellors  of  peace  is  joyP  They  get  their  fee  while  doing 
their  work ;  and  enjoy  the  full  benefit  of  it  after  their  work  is 
done,  in  the  enjoyment  of  that  peaceful  blessedness  which  none 
but  peace-makers  know :  1  Pet.  iii.  10. 

It  is  the  happiness  of  all  the  faithful  disciples  of  Jesus,  that 
although  they  cannot  always  make  peace,  they  may  always  find 
peace ;  and  though  they  cannot  find  it  on  earth,  they  may  obtain 
it  from  heaven  :  John  xvi.  33.  How  great  is  the  joy  of  all  peace- 
makers !  it  is  a  peculiar  joy ;  enjoyed  only  by  those  who  are  at 
peace  with  the  Prince  of  peace ;  they  desire  that  others  should 
partake  of  the  same  joy;  and  hence  they  delight  in  being  ^^coun- 
Rellors  of  peace."    Follow  after  peace. 


TO  'a  HE  PEACE-MAKEBS. 


255 


^'Bfessed  are  the  peace-makers:  for  they  shall  be  called  the  children  of 
Ood/'  —UkU.  v.  9. 

a RACE  in  the  heart  is  seen  in  the  life;  and  a  pure  heart  will 
be  accompanied  by  a  pure  life,  and  love  of  peace:  James 
iii.  11-13.    "Blessed  are  the  peace-makers."    As  war  divides 
nations,  towns,  families  and  individuals,  so  peace  restores  them 
to  unity,  and.  makes  their  object  and  interest  one.    A  peace- 
maker is  one  who  loves  peace;  desires  it  and  seeks  after  it;  he 
never  fans  the  spark  of  strife;  as  he  feels  his  own  interest  pro- 
moted whenever  he  can  succeed  in  promoting  that  of  others :  1 
Pet.  iii.  10.    The  ''peace-maker'^'^  uses  all  his  influence  to  recon- 
cile contending  parties;  and  though  it  sometimes  proves  a  thank- 
less office,  and  he  gets  himself  ill-used,  he  still  pursues  his  course; 
because  he  knows  it  to  be  a  good  office;  and  he  finds  himself 
blessed  in  his  work:  Ps.  cxx.  7.    Those  who  possess  so  much  of 
the  spirit  of  the  Gospel  of  peace  are  already  blessed;  and  carry  a 
continual  blessedness  in  their  own  bosoms:  Prov.  xii.  20.  ''They 
shall  be  called  the  children  of  God,^''  Yea,  and  they  shall,  not  only 
be  so  called,  for  God  will  give  them  the  evidence  within  that  they 
are  such:  Rom.  viii.  16,  17.   The  Father  is  a  God  of  peace:  Rom. 
XV.  33;  the  Son  is  the  Prince  of  peace:  Isa.  ix.  6;  and  the  Holy 
Ghost  is  the  Spirit  of  peace:  Gal.  v.  22.    God  loves  peace;  and 
is  so  well  pleased  with  jt?6ac6-makers,  he  declares  "  they  shall 
be  called  the  children  of  God;"  and  seeing  he  never  miscalls 
anything,  as  children,  they  shall  be  entitled  to  all  his  children's 
privileges.    They  shall  have  his  direction  in  difficulties:  James 
i.  5;  His  support  under  trials:  Ps.  Iv.  22;  His  protection  in  dan- 
gers: Ps.  xxxiv.  7;  His  aid  in  sickness:  Ps.  xH.  3;  His  presence 
in  death:  Ps.  xxiii.  4;  and  a  seat  by  His  side  after  death:  Rev. 
iii.  21.    The  man  who  has  peace  with  God,  should  strive  to  make 
peace  with  man;  and  whoever  has  peace  within,  should  labor  for 
peace  without.    Seeing  God  has  done  so  much  to  procure  peace 
for  us,  the  least  we  can  do  is  to  make  peace  with  each  other.  Let 
no  one  call  himself  a  follower  of  Jesus,  who  is  not  a  lover  of 
peace;  for  He  is  our  peace;  our  Peace-maker;  our  Peace-bringor; 
our  Peace-giver;  and  our  Peace-supporter:  Eph.  ii.  14. 


256 


TO  THE  CHABITABLE. 


"Blessed  is  he  that  considereth  the  poor ;  the  Lord  will  deliver  him  in  time 
of  trouble.'* —  Fs.  xli.  1. 

OOME  who  have  many  goods,  do  no  good  with  their  goods; 


and  hence,  while  surrounded  with  wealth,  they  are  wretched 
and  miserable :  Eev.  iii.  17.  But  those  who  are  rich  in  pocket 
and  poor  in  spirit,  are  doubly  blessed ;  and  their  poverty  in  spirit 
is  sure  to  dispose  them  to  consider  the  poor.  Observe, 

1st.  Blessed  is  he  tJiat  consideretli  the  poor;^^  that  thinks  of 
them  ;  remembers  them ;  and  calls  to  mind  their  poverty  and  afflic- 
tions ;  that  pities,  and  resolves,  after  deliberation,  to  grant  them 
speedy  relief.  "  Blessed  is  he,"  even  while  considering  in  what 
way  he  can  do  them  the  most  good :  Prov.  xiv.  21.  The  poor 
WIDOW,  whose  agonized  heart  he  makes  glad,  blesses  him ;  the 
ORPHAN,  whose  tears  he  dries  up  by  supplying  his  pressing  wants, 
blesses  him;  the  poor,  sick,  and  afflicted,  with  all  that  are  dis- 
tressed, whether  in  mind,  body,  or  estate,  will  lift  up  their  eyes 
to  heaven,  pour  blessings  on  his  head,  and  kiss  the  kind  hand  of 
their  deliverer :  Prov.  xxii.  9.  But  the  blessings  he  receives  from 
the  poor,  whose  suffering  he  softens,  are  not  to  be  compared  with 
the  blessedness  he  feeb  in  his  own  bosom :  Acts  xx.  35.  He 
shall,  not  only  be  blessed  of  man,  and  blessed  in  himself,  but 
blessed  of  God. 

2d.  "  TJie  Lord  will  deliver  him  in  time  of  trouble.'^^  There  is  no 
situation  in  vhich  man  can  be  placed,  in  this  life,  but  he  will 
always  find  troubles  peculiar  to  that  situation.  But  whoever 
considers  the  poor  shall  be  remembered  by  the  Lord ;  and  as  he 
had  compassion  on  others  in  the  time  of  distress,  so  ^^He  will 
deliver  him  in  the  time  of  trouble.''  If  Ave  consider  not  the  poor, 
we  are,  not  only  unkind  to  our  fellow-creatures,  but  ungrateful  to 
God;  through  whose  tender  mercies  it  is,  that  we  can  see  the 
blind,  liear  the  deaf,  talT^  of  the  dumb,  walTc  to  the  lame,  and  visit 
the  sick.  Should  you  be  so  poor,  that  you  cannot  give  to  the 
poor,  you  will  be  blessed  if  you  do  but  consider  the  poor ;  and 
when  you  cannot  give  a  penny  you  may  lend  a  hand.  Whatever 
you  give  to,  or  do  for  the  poor,  the  Lord  takes  it  as  done  to  him- 
self ;  and  will  assuredly  pay  you  again :  Prov.  xix.  17.  The  poor 
ye  always  have  with  you :  Matt.  xxvi.  11. 


TO  THE  CHARITABLE. 


257 


"To  do  good  and  communicate  forget  not;  for  with  such  sacrifices  God  is 
well  pleased."  —  Heb.  xiii.  16. 

0  man  is  what  lie  says,  but  what  he  does.  Some  have 
charity  always  in  their  mouths,  but  never  in  their  hearts ; 
and  such  are  great  talkers,  but  little  doers  :  Pro  v.  xivo  23.  To 
do  good^^  is  our  indispensable  duty.  God  will  not  be  put  off  with 
good  talking,  without  good  doing ;  for  words  are  but  wind,  and 
will  neither  feed  the  hungry  nor  clothe  the  naked:  James  ii. 
14-16.  The  Lord  is  so  concerned  for  the  poor,  that  he  considers 
himself  slighted  when  the  poor  are  neglected:  Deut.  xv.  7-11. 
There  are  those  who  are  ready  to  do  good  when  it  costs  them 
nothing ;  and  lest  you  should  be  tempted  to  imitate  their  ex- 
ample, it  is  added,  and  to  communicate  forget  not : 2  Cor.  ix. 
6,  7.  According  to  the  utmost  of  our  ability,  we  must  communi- 
cate to  the  necessities  of  others  ;  and  not  think  of  putting  them 
off  with  our  prayers  and  good  wishes  ;  for  either  a  prayer  or  a 
wish,  that  is  not  worth  a  cent,  will  be  of  but  little  service  to  a 
poor  sufferer :  Eccl.  xi.  1,  2.  If  God  has  given  to  you  but  little, 
he  does  not  expect  you  to  give  much ;  but  he  does  expect  you  to  do 
all  you  can  for  those  who  are  poorer  than  yourself :  Prov.  xi.  24. 

"  Forget  not to  do  all  you  can,  and  the  best  you  can ;  and  then, 
depend  not  upon  your  good  deeds,  but  upon  Christ  alone ;  ^\for 
witJi  sucJi  sacrifices  God  is  well  pleased.^^  And,  as  a  proof  of  his 
being  well  pleased,  he  will  accept  your  offering,  bless  your  soul, 
and  give  you  the  evidence  within  that  he  is  well  pleased  with 
what  you  have  done :  Luke  vi.  38. 

Nothing  exalts  the  human  character  more  than  acts  of  disin- 
terested benevolence.  Our  blessed  Jesus  ^^went  about  doing 
good.'^  None  ever  applied  to  him  for  aid  but  were  sent  away 
rejoicing.  The  Saviour  persevered  in  doing  good,  and  was  never 
weary  of  it.  It  is  our  duty,  as  Christians,  to  copy  after  him  : 
Matt.  xi.  29.  Let  us,  by  soft  pity  and  tender  compassion  to  the 
\7retched,  by  going  about,  as  far  as  we  have  opportunity^,  to  seek 
the  sons  and  daughters  of  affliction,  and  when  we  find  them  in 
their  abodes  of  wretchedness,  pity  them ;  and  by  acts  of  kindness 
show  that  we  possess  the  i^ind  that  was  in  Christ :  Phil.  ii.  5. 
•^ec  the  hungry;  clothe  the  naked 5  Qomfort  the  mouTOep;  aftci 
iu^tiiic:  the  ignorant 


258    TO  SUPPORTING  GOD'S  MINISTERS  AND  WORSHIP. 


"  The  Levife,  (because  he  hath  no  part  nor  inheritance  with  thee,)  and  the 
stranger,  and  the  father/ess,  and  the  widow,  which  are  within  thy  gates,  shall 
come,  and  shall  eat  and  be  satisfied ;  that  the  Lord  thy  God  may  bless  thee 
in  all  the  work  of  thine  hand  which  thou  doest, ' ' — Deut.  xiv.  29. 

IT  is  a  great  mercy  to  have  a  portion  in  the  world ;  bno  a  great 
misery  to  have  tJie  world  for  our  portion.  The  Lord  has 
ever  been  -known  to  be  a  helper  of  the  helpless ;  and  has 
peculiar  regard  for  such  as  others  are  too  apt  to  neglect :  Pc.  xli. 
1-3.  It  appears  evident,  that  the  Lord  never  intended  for  hie 
ministers  to  live  like  ministers  of  state ;  for,  in  the  general,  he 
has  ever  kept  them  poor.  But  though  this  is  the  case,  he  will 
not  suffer  them  to  be  neglected ;  for  while  he  makes  it  an  indis- 
pensable duty  to  consider  the  poor,  he  adds,  and  the  Levite  ; 
who  is  kept  poor  that  he  might  know  how  to  preach  to  the  poor : 
Luke  iv.  18 ;  and  also  to  try  xhe  liberality  of  the  rich.  The  Lord 
has  provided  better  things  for  his  faithful  ministers,  than  the 
gaudy,  empty  things  of  this  vain  world ;  still  they  must  be  sup- 
ported by  those  among  whom  they  labor :  1  Cor.  ix.  1-11. 

Ministers  ought  to  live  by  preaching,  but  they  cannot  live  on 
it ;  each  one,  therefore,  should  be  provided  for  by  those  who  have 
his  labors ;  because  he  hath  no  part  nor  inheritance ;  ^'  nor  any 
other  means  of  procuring  a  support  for  himself,  his  time  being  all 
taken  up  in  the  work  of  the  ministry.  That  is  a  very  powerful 
reason  why  a  minister  should  be  provided  for  by  the  people  to 
whom  he  ministers;  because  he  hath  no  part  nor  inheritance 
with  thee.'^  Though  Paul  labored  with  his  own  hands,  and  min- 
istered to  his  own  necessities,  on  some  occasions :  Acts  xviii.  Z ; 
XX.  34 ;  he  has  proved  that  those  who  preach  the  gospel,  should 
be  supported  by  the  people :  1  Cor.  ix.  9-14.  His  wants  were 
supplied  by  the  brethren  of  Macedonia :  2  Cor.  xi.  9 ;  and  when 
he  and  his  friend  left  Melita,  the  people  loaded  them  with  such 
things  as  they  needed :  Acts  xxviii.  10. 

"  And  the  stranger  "  must  have  kindness  shown  to  him,  that  he 
might  not  think  unfavorably  of  religion,  but  be  won  to  it.    "  And 
the  fatherless  and  the  widow must  not  be  neglected,  nor  suffered 
to  want ;  but  particular  care  should  be  taken  that  they  "  eat  and 
satisjiedy^  &c,, 


TO  SUPPOBTING  GOD's  MINISTERS  AND  WORSHIP.  259 

"Let  him  that  is  taught  in  the  word,  communicate  to  him  that  teacheth  in 
all  good  things/*  —  Gal.  vi.  6. 

CHEISTIAISr  ministers  have  a  high  designation  —  "  Servants 
of  the  most  high  God : Acts  xvi.  17 ;  and  which  imports 
that  their  commission  is  from  Him :  Mark.  xvi.  15, 16.  The  Lord, 
in  his  infinite  wisdom  and  goodness,  has  seen  fit  to  teach  man  by 
the  ministry  of  man;  and  has  forbidden  those  who  preach  the 
Gospel,  to  entangle  themselves  with  the  things  of  the  world :  2 
Tim.  ii.  4 ;  but  has  made  it  the  duty  of  those  who  hear  the  Gos- 
pel, to  support  them  who  preach  it. 

^^Let  Mm  that  is  taught  in  tlie  word,^^  ever  bear  in  mind,  that  as 
there  are  some  to  be  taught,  so  there  must  be  some  to  be  teachers ; 
and  that  it  is  the  duty  of  every  one  taught,  to  communicate  to  him 
tJiat  teacJietJi : "  Eom.  xv.  27.  The  ministry  of  the  Gospel  is  of 
Divine  appointment ;  and  those  whom  God  calls  and  qualifies,  are 
in  duty  bound  to  preach  it ;  while  it  is  equally  incumbent  on  all 
to  hear  it :  Eom.  x.  14-17.  Ministers  are  God's  servants ;  but 
are  neither  slaves  to,  nor  lords  over  the  people  :  1  Pet.  v.  3. 
Their  business  is  to  instruct  others  tJie  word'^  of  God;  and  it 
is  at  their  peril  to  preach  anything  else  as  a  substitute  for  the 
word :  2  Tim.  iv.  2 ;  neither  are  you  under  obligation  to  believe 
anything  they  preach  that  cannot  be  clearly  proved  by  ^^the 
word :  "  Acts  xvii.  11.  Neither  is  it  a  minister's  business  to 
domineer  over  your  faith ;  but  to  explain  "  the  word  "  unto  you, 
as  the  only  rule  of  faith  and  practice  :  2  Cor.  i.  24.  Ministers 
should  never  cull  the  Scriptures ;  but  preach  the  whole  of  the 
word  :  Acts  xx.  27.  And  while  he  is  thus  laboring  for  and  teach- 
ing you,  both  reason  and  Scripture  say,  you  ought  to  communi- 
cate to  him  that  teacheth  in  all  good  tJm^gsJ'  While  he  is  freely 
communicating  to  you  in  all  spiritual  things  which  God  has  given 
vo  him,  it  is  your  duty  and  privilege  to,  liberally  and  cheerfully, 
communicate  unto  him  ^^in  all  good  things''  the  Lord  has  given 
to  you :  1  Cor.  ix.  11-14.  He  has  no  right  to  expect  extravagant 
and  sumptuous  things ;  but  "  all  good  tilings  "  are  his  due ;  and  hc< 
reasonably  expects  them ;  both  for  himself  and  those  whom  God 
may  have  committed  to  his  care.  Any  shepherd  ought  to  fare  aa 
well  as  his  flock. 


260 


TO  THE  MERCIFUL. 


"  The  merciful  man  doeth  good  to  his  own  sout^  —  Prov.  xi.  17. 

MEECY  !  What  a  charming  sound  !  it  is  the  cheerer  of  the 
heart  —  the  burden  of  our  song  —  the  wonder  of  Heaven 
—  the  envy  of  hell  —  the  admiration  of  men  —  and  the  distin- 
guished attribute  of  God ! 

^'^Tlie  merciful  man^^  who  keeps  mercy  constantly  within  him, 
is  ever  ready  freely  to  do  all  the  good  he  can  to  the  miserable 
and  distressed  around  him  :  Prov.  iii.  3,  4.  When  provoked,  or 
wronged,  he  remembers  mercy ;  and  is  always  ready  to  forgive 
injuries  rather  than  resent  them ;  and  is  ever  disposed  to  mani- 
fest undeserved  kindness,  by  pitying,  comforting,  helping,  and 
delivering  all  who  are  distressed  :  Ps.  xviii.  25.  He  is  ever  study- 
ing and  practising  good ;  and  in  so  doing,  "  doetli  good  to  Ms  own 
souV  He  that  doeth  good  with  his  goods,  shall  have  the  bless- 
ing of  God,  which  is  the  greatest  good :  Prov.  xxii.  9.  The  man 
who  will  not  scatter  his  seed,  but  keeps  it  shut  up  in  his  barn, 
need  never  expect  a  good  harvest.  But  truly  blessed  is  that  man 
who  is  continually  scattering  blessings  around  him,  in  works  of 
piety,  and  generosity  :  Ps.  xli.  1-3.  He  has  the  blessed  satisfac- 
tion of  knowing,  that  he  has  done  his  duty;  and  in  so  doing  has 
contributed  to  the  comfort  and  happiness  of  others;  and  feels 
that  his  own  soul  has  been  refreshed  with  spiritual  blessings, 
while  comforting  others  with  temporal  blessings  :  Isa.  Iviii.  10, 
11.  "The  merciful  man^'  will  hurt  no  one;  but  delights  in  doing 
good  to  all;  he  lives  to  do  good;  and  is  never  better  pleased  than 
when  he  has  it  in  his  power  to  show  mercy ;  and  thus  "  do  good 
to  his  own  soul.'^  The  law  of  love  is  written  on  his  heart ;  he 
strives  with  untiring  zeal  to  hunt  out,  bind  up,  and  heal,  every 
wound  distress  has  made ;  and  make  the  soul  of  every  living 
thing  rejoice.  He  views  the  race  of  man  as  one  vast  family  of 
brothers,  sisters,  friends ;  and  if  one  transgresses  the  laws  of  that 
family  by  doing  him,  or  any  one  else  an  injury,  he  is  ready  to 
forgive.  "  The  merciful  man "  counts  nothing  that  he  has  his 
own ;  but,  like  a  faithful  steward  in  a  great  alms-house,  what  he 
has  received  he  freely  gives  to  all  that  need.  And  if  he  has  a  foe, 
it  rejoices  his  heart  to  have  it  in  his  power  to  do  him  good;  and 
^xtexidl  to  hXm  tl;e  hand  of  mercy. 


TO  THE  MERCIFUL. 


261 


"  B/essed  are  the  merciful ;  for  they  shall  obtain  mercy, — Matt.  v.  7. 

A LITTLE  mercy  is  worth  a  deal  of  pity.  Self  is  a  near 
kinsman,  but  a  bad  neighbor ;  and  a  man  who  truly  loves 
himself  will  never  confine  his  goodness  to  himself :  Luke  vi.  38. 
And  he  who  cares  for  no  one  but  self,  is  the  greatest  enemy  to 
himself. 

"Blessed  are  the  mercifuV^  God  is  so  delighted  with  mercy, 
that  he  has  pronounced  the  merciful  already  blessed.  Blessed 
ARE  those  who  are  ever  ready  to  relieve  and  forgive  others  :  Deut. 
xxiv.  12;  13.  A  man  may  be  too  poor  to  be  bountiful ;  but  he  can 
never  be  too  poor  to  be  merciful ;  for  where  there  is  not  the  way, 
God  will  accept  of  the  will :  2  Cor.  viii.  12.  We  should  bear  our 
own  sufferings  patiently ;  and  contribute  to  the  relief  of  others 
cheerfully ;  Job  vi.  14.  That  mercy  which  we  could  reasonably 
desire  or  expect  that  others  should  show  to  us,  were  we  in  their 
circumstances  and  they  in  ours,  we  should  show  to  them  :  Matt, 
vii.  12.  Pity  without  mercy  will  avail  us  nothing ;  we  should, 
therefore,  be  merciful  to  the  souls,  as  well  as  the  bodies  of  men ; 
and  evince  it  by  instructing  the  ignorant,  warning  the  careless, 
comforting  the  mourner,  and  reclaiming  the  wanderer :  Isa.  Iviii. 
10,  11.  The  merciful  are,  not  only  blessed  now,  that  is,  while 
showing  mercy,  but  they  shall  be  blessed  in  future;  for  "they 
shall  obtain  mercy  from  men,  if  ever  they  need  it ;  and  though 
they  may  never  need  it  from  the  hand  of  man,  all  need  mercy  of 
God  continually;  and  they  shall  obtain  it.  For  we  may  expect 
to  be  dealt  with  as  we  deal  with  others :  James  ii.  13.  They 
shall  obtain  sparing  mercy  :  Matt.  vi.  14 ;  supporting  mercy  :  Ps. 
xli.  2;  and  supplying  mercy:  Pro  v.  xix.  17.  For  every  act  of 
mercy,  "  they  shall  obtain  mercy ;  but  not  wages :  2  Tim.  i. 
16-18. 

We  profess  to  be  believers  in  the  Gospel ;  it  is  called  a  law,  and 
has  all  the  requisites  of  a  lav/  ;  precepts,  with  rewards  and  pun- 
ishments annexed.  It  prescribes  duty,  as  well  as  administers 
comfort ;  and  Christ  is  as  much  a  King  to  rule,  as  he  is  a  Prophet 
to  teach  and  a  Priest  to  atone  for  us.  We  are  under  his  royal 
law  of  liberty  :  James  ii.  8.  The  Lord  is  a  faithful  Banker ;  and 
whoever  lends  to  him  cau  uever  he  a  loser  ;  h\x%  will  always  ^ 
great  gaiuer, 


262 


TO  FORGIVING  INJURIES. 


"Say  not  thou,  I  will  recompense  evil ;  but  wait  on  the  Lord,  and  he  shall 
save  thee."  —  Prov.  xx.  22. 

TO  render  evil  for  evil,  is  man-like ;  to  render  evil  for  good,  is 
devil-like;  but  to  render  good  for  evil,  is  God-like.     A  for- 
giving disposition  must  always  dwell  in  the  Christian's  bosom. 

Say  not  thou,  I  will  recompense  evil;''  for  that  is  to  act  be- 
neath the  dignity  of  a  Christian ;  and  it  is  always  better  to  suf- 
fer wrong  than  to  do  wrong :  1  Pet.  iii.  14,  17.  While  you  are  in 
the  world,  and  have  to  do  with  the  world,  you  may  expect  to  be 
affronted  and  troubled  by  the  world :  John  xvi.  33.  But  a  merci- 
ful man  is  ever  ready  to  exercise  mercy  toward  all ;  and  freely 
forgives  every  repentant  subject.  Whatever  provocations  you 
may  receive,  always  cherish  a  disposition  to  forgive  them ;  and 
never  take  vengeance  into  your  own  hand ;  for  that  belongs  to  the 
Lord :  Eom.  xii.  9.  Let  others  say  what  they  may,  or  do  what 
they  will;  but  say  not  thou,  ^^I  will  recompense  evil.''  Never 
so  much  as  desire  it ;  do  not  suffer  the  thought  to  lodge  in  your 
heart,  that  when  a  favorable  opportunity  presents  itself  you  will 
recompense  evil.  Never  say  you  will  do  anything  that  you  can- 
not do  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus ;  and  ask  God's  blessing 
upon  :  CoL  iii.  17.  But  wait  on  the  Lord  "  by  faith,  and  prayer, 
and  a  humble  resignation  to  his  will;  whatever  befalls  you,  or 
whatever  you  do,  grow  not  remiss  in  your  attendarxo  upon  God: 
Ps.  xxvii.  14.  Keep  up  your  spirits  :  and  let  not  the  wrongs  you 
suffer  draw  your  mind  from  God,  v/ho  has  your  cause  in  his  hand ; 
"  and  he  shall  deliver  tliee''  Wait  on  him  as  your  Master ;  be  in 
constant  attendance,  ready  to  obey  all  his  commands;  wait  on 
him  as  your  Saviour ;  for  he  has  engaged  to  deliver  and  comfort 
you :  Ps.  XXV.  3.  Think  not,  that  because  you  do  not  recompense 
one  evil,  that  that  will  expose  you  to  another ;  for  that  will  not 
be  the  case;  the  Lord  will  see  to  it,  that  more  good  shall  be 
recompensed  to  you,  than  will  counterbalance  the  evil  you  might 
have  sustained :  yea,  "  shall  save  thee;  "  come  what  will  of 
those  that  injure  thee  :  Isa.  xxxv.  4.  Injuries  are  hard  to  be 
borne  ;  but  resenting  them  can  never  remove  them  ;  forgive  them, 
and  that  will  cure  them.  The  most  effectual  mean  of  destroying 
GUI*  enemies^j  is  love. 


TO  FOKGIVING  INJURIES. 


263 


"  If  ye  forgive  men  their  trespasses,  your  heavenly  Father  will  also  forgive 
you.''  —  Matt.  vi.  14. 

/^CCASIONS  of  difference  will  happen,  even  among  Christ's 


Vy  disciples  ;  and  therefore,  they  must  be  placable,  and  ready 
to  forgive  ;  therein  resembling  God,  who,  for  Christ's  sake,  hath 
forgiven  them :  Eph.  iv.  32.  The  man  who  cannot  relent  toward 
his  offending  brother,  gives  a  striking  proof,  that  he  has  nevei 
relented  towards  God.  They  who  are  forgiven  of  God,  should 
forgive  even  as  God  forgives ;  sincerely  and  heartily,  readily  and 
universally,  cheerfully  and  forever.  It  is  an  awful  thing  for  any 
one  to  pray,  as  our  Lord  has  taught  us,  "Forgive  us  our  tres- 
passes, AS  WE  forgive  them  that  trespass  against  us,"  unless  they 
in  their  hearts  freely  and  fully  forgive  others.  In  fact,  it  is  to 
pray  that  God  would  7iot  forgive  tis;  seeing  we  pray  that  He 
would  forgive  us,  as,  or  like,  we  forgive  them  whom  we  do  not 
forgive:  Matt.  vi.  15. 

"  If  ye  forgive  men  their  trespasses/^  the  injuries  they  have  done 
you,  the  evils  they  have  spoken  of  you,  with  every  other  provoca- 
tion, so  as  to  bear  no  malice,  meditate  no  revenge,  and  upbraid 
them  not,  ''your  heavenly  Father  will  also  forgive  youJ^  None 
need  ever  expect  to  enjoy  a  sense  of  God's  forgiving  love,  while 
they  cherish  an  unforgiving  spirit  toward  others.  Every  Chris- 
tian is  under  the  most  sacred  obligation  to  forgive  injuries.  The 
obligation  arises,  1st.  Erom  the  consideration  of  his  own  liability 
to  offend,  and  so  to  need  forgiveness :  Gal.  vi.  1.  2d.  The  exam- 
ple of  God,  which  ought  to  be  imitated  by  us :  Matt,  xviii.  32,  33. 
And,  3d.  That  which  carries  the  obligation  to  its  height  is  God 
has  commanded  it :  Mark  xi.  25,  26.  Can  any  quarrel  with  this 
command  as  an  unreasonable  one  ?  Can  any  trample  upon  it 
with  impunity  ?  Will  any  one  rather  forego  the  forgiving  love 
of  God,  than  forgive  a  brother  that  has  injured  him?  How 
much  more  has  "  your  heavenly  Eather "  already  forgiven  you, 
than  you  are  called  upon  to  forgive  others  ?  Our  sins  against 
God  are  called  debts^  which  we  have  contracted;  and  if,  when  we 
were  unable  to  pay,  God  so  freely  forgave  our  wilful,  innumer- 
able, inexcusable  debts,  surely  we  ought  cheerfully  to  ^^forgivo 
m.exi  their  trespasses," 


264 


TO  PUKITY. 


"Who  shal!  ascend  info  the  hill  of  the  Lord?  or  who  shall  stand  in  his 
holy  place  ?    He  that  hath  clean  hands  and  a  pure  heart —  Ps.  xxiv.  3,  4. 

/^LD  Testament  saints  received  inward  purity  of  heart  from 


the  same  fountain,  Jesus,  and  through  the  same  means  as 
we  now  do ;  faith  in  him :  Zech.  xiii.  1.  Every  institution  of 
purification  under  the  law,  referred  to  the  Redeemer,  the  purifier 
of  his  people.  Observe, 

1st.  ''Who  shall  ascend  into  the  hill  of  the  Lord  ?  David  com- 
pares  "  the  hill  of  the  Lord,''  on  which  the  temple  stood,  with 
the  hills  of  Bashan,  and  other  high  and  fruitful  hills;  and  pre- 
fers it  before  them ;  although  it  was  much  smaller,  and  was  not 
covered  with  flocks  and  herds  as  the  other  hills  were :  Ps.  Ixviii. 
15.  But  it  had  the  pre-eminence  above  them ;  because  it  was  the 
hill  where  the  Lord  was  graciously  pleased  to  dwell,  and  manifest 
the  tokens  of  his  peculiar  presence :  Ps.  cxxxii.  13,  14.  It  was 
sometimes  called  Zion:  and  was  a  type  of  the  Gospel-church, 
which  is  therefore  called  mount  Zion :  Ps.  Ixv.  1 ;  Heb.  xii.  22. 
It  is  much  more  honorable  to  be  holy  in  the  sight  of  God,  than 
to  be  great  in  the  sight  of  the  world.  There  is  no  way  of  ascend- 
ing the  holy  hill  but  through  the  humble  vale.  There  is  no  king- 
dom upon  earth  comparable  to  the  kingdom  of  the  Redeemer ;  for 
there  God  dwells ;  and  every  subject  is  heir  to  a  kingdom:  Luke 
xii.  32.  "  Who  shall  ascend  ?  "  Those  who  descend :  Matt,  xviii. 
4.      Who  shall  stand  in  his  holy  place  ?  " 

2d.  Here  is  the  answer.  "He  tJiat  hatJi  clean  hands whose 
hands  hold  on  to  no  sin,  having  been  washed  in  the  fountain 
opened  for  sin  and  uncleanness ;  and  freed  from  the  pollutions  of 
this  world :  1  Tim.  ii.  8.  Let  no  one  think  of  standing  in  His 
holy  place,  till  he  has  first  washed  his  hands :  Ps.  xxvi.  6.  But 
it  will  not  do  to  have  a  white  hand  and  a  black  heart ;  for  we 
must  be  pure  before  God,  as  well  as  clean  before  men.  ''  Clean 
hands  and  a  pure  heart "  must  go  together.  Sinners  are  the  ob- 
jects of  God's  love ;  but  sin  is  the  cursed  thing  that  he  hates : 
Rom.  V.  8.  In  purity  and  holiness  he  delights ;  and  without  this, 
no  man  ever  did,  or  ever  shall  see  the  Lord :  Heb.  xii.  14.  This 
purity  of  heart,  with  every  other  needed  blessing,  has  been  pur- 
chased for  you  by  Christ  Je^us :  1  Cor.  i.  30.  Be  a  partakey  of 
l\o       but  keep  thyself  pure ;  1  Tin\.  v,  2% 


TO  PURITY. 


265 


**  Btessed  are  the  pure  in  heart;  for  they  shall  see  God.^^  —  Matt.  v.  8. 

HAPPINESS  is  the  legitimate  offspring  of  Holiness.  Eelig< 
ion  in  the  head  will  produce  giddiness^  unless  the  heart 
be  washed  from  wickedness  :  J er.  iv.  14. 

1st.  "Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart yea,  it  is  their  present 
blessedness  to  be  children  of  a  holy  God ;  members  of  the  blessed 
Jesus ;  subjects  of  the  holy  Spirit's  renewing  influence ;  and 
partakers  of  a  holy  faith:  Kom.  viii.  15-17.  Hence,  it  is  natural 
to  every  holy,  new-born  soul,  to  love  holiness,  as  agreeable  to  the 
pi&rfections  of  God,  and  conducive  to  their  own  happiness :  Ps. 
cxix.  97.  How  destitute  of  true  blessedness  must  they  be  who 
suppose  that  holiness  tends  to  produce  gloominess !  They,  and 
they  alone,  are  truly  blessed,  whose  hearts  have  been  washed  from 
the  pollutions  of  sin;  from  worldly  lusts;  from  all  unchaste 
desires ;  and  from  all  filthiness  both  of  flesh  and  spirit :  Mark  vii. 
21-23;  and  who  possess  a  heart  purified  by  faith  in  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ :  Gal.  v.  6.  Nothing  short  of  an  application  of  the 
blood  of  Christ,  by  faith,  can  make  the  heart  of  man  clean: 
1  John  i.  7.  And  the  only  way  to  keep  the  heart  pure,  is,  to  keep 
it  from  sin :  2  Cor.  vi.  17,  18.  The  pure  in  heart  are  blessed  now, 
and  shall  be  blessed  hereafter. 

2d.  "  They  shall  see  GodJ'  They  see  him  now  by  an  eye  of 
faith;  and  that  makes  them  blessed,  even  while  upon  earth:  2 
Cor.  iv.  7.  It  is  true,  they  have  but  a  small  degree  of  blessedness 
while  here,  when  compared  with  what  awaits  them,  on  account 
of  their  having  so  imperfect  a  view  of  God ;  for  they  can  only 
see  him  like  looking  at  the  sun  through  a  dark,  thick  glass  :  1  Cor. 
xiii.  12.  But  if  such  a  faint  sight  of  God  makes  a  heaven  upon 
earth,  what  a  blessed  Heaven  of  heavens  must  Heaven  be,  when 
they  shall  see  him  as  he  is  !  1  John  iii.  2.  A  stranger  inter- 
meddleth  not  with  the  blessedness,  the  holy  joy,  and  sweet  com- 
placency, possessed  by  the  pure  in  heart/'  in  bringing  forth  the 
precious  fruits  of  holiness.  Every  disciple  of  Jesus  is  called  to 
the  knowledge  and  enjoyment  of  this  blessedness ;  it  is  free  for 
all  who  will  seek  after  it;  and  none  can  be  happy  without  it. 
Do  you  possess  this  blessedness  ?  What,  then,  shall  be  the  deter- 
mining rule  of  your  conduct  ?  Let  your  heart  be  pure,  and  your 
life  holy  and  hnppy. 


266 


TO  IMPROVING  OUR  TALENTS. 


** In  all  labor  there  is  profit;  but  the  talk  of  the  lips  tendeth  only  to  penury.^ 
—  Prov.  xiv.  23. 

ALL  talk  and  no  work  may  appear  respectable ;  but  will 
never  prove  profitable.  As  it  is  in  matters  which  belong 
to  the  body,  so  it  is  Avith  those  which  concern  the  soul :  —  "In 
all  labor,^^  whether  of  the  head  or  the  hand,  there  is  prqfit.^^ 
Observe, 

1st.  Working  without  talking  is  profitable.  Industrious  people, 
whatever  might  be  their  calling,  are  generally  thriving  people ; 
and  it  is  the  diligent  hand  that  earns  and  turns  the  penny.  And 
there  is  nothing  more  natural,  than  for  those  who  labor  to  look 
to  their  employers  for  their  wages :  Deut.  xxiv.  14,  15.  And  all 
who  labor  in  the  Lord,  may  depend  upon  it  their  labors  shall  not 
be  forgotten:  Heb.  vi.  10.  The  most  we  can  do  for  the  Lord 
is  but  little ;  and  that  little  it  is  our  interest  to  do ;  for  our 
religion  must  consist  in  work  as  well  as  talk ;  or  we  shall  not 
profit  by  it.  The  man  who  has  to  commence  business  with  a 
small  capital,  must  be  industrious  if  he  would  become  rich : 
Prov.  X.  4.  They  who  labor  in  the  Lord  are  united  to  him,  derive 
all  their  strength  from  him,  are  employod  by  him,  and  should 
earnestly  endeavor  to  improve  the  talents  they  have  received  of 
him  :  Luke  xix.  13. 

2d.  Talking  without  ^voTk^ing  "tendeth  only  to  penury.'^  Great 
talkers  are  generally  little  workers ;  unless  talking  is  their  busi- 
ness. Those  that  love  to  talk  much  of  their  business,  who  make 
more  noise  than  work,  and  waste  their  time  in  telling  and  hearing 
something  new,  will  soon  waste  what  they  have ;  and  learn  by 
sad  experience,  that  "  the  talk  of  the  lips  tendeth  only  to  penury." 
In  the  affairs  of  our  souls,  it  is  true,  much  may  be  done  by  talk- 
ing. Every  individual  has,  at  least,  one  talent,  and  which  he 
should  labor  to  improve.  Let  those  who  have  a  preaching  talent, 
faithfully  improve  it;  while  those  who  have  not  that  talent, 
should  do  all  they  can  to  support  those  who  have;  and  labor 
themselves  in  every  other  possible  way  to  instruct  others.  Who- 
ever strives  earnestly  in  prayer  will  find  profit  in  it ;  and  a  word 
spoken  in  season  to  encourage  others  will  be  profitable.  But  our 
religion  must  not  all  run  off  in  talking.  In  improving  our  talents 
we  improve  ourselves  and  others. 


TO  IMPKOVING  OUR  TALENTS. 


267 


•*  W^il  done,  good  and  faithful  servant;  thou  hast  been  faithful  over  a  fevt 
things,  I  will  make  thee  ruler  over  many  things  :  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy 
Lord/'  — Matt.  XXV.  23. 

/^UR  Lord  designs  by  this  parable  to  show  us,  that  we  are  all 


V-/  the  servants  of  God;  that  he  has  given  to  each  of  us  what 
he  pleases;  and  we  are  in  duty  bound  to  improve  what  we  have 
received,  whether  it  be  one,  two,  or  five  talents,  and  be  satisfied 
with  it.  The  gifts  which  God  bestows,  and  the  opportunities  he 
affords  for  our  usefulness,  are  called  pounds:  Luke  xix.  13;  or 
talents:  Matt.  xxv.  15.  And  though  he  gives  to  some,  more  than 
he  does  to  others,  yet  all  ought  faithfully  to  improve  what  they 
receive.  He  who  improved  his  two  talents  met  with  the  same 
kind  and  honorable  approval,  "  Well  done^'^  as  the  one  who  had 
improved  his  five.  Each  was  declared  to  be  a  ''good  and  faithful 
servant.'^'*  A  humble  believer  may  be  ready  to  ask,  How  can  I  be 
good,  when  I  have  no  good  thing  belonging  to  me  ?  Rom.  vii.  18; 
or  how  can  I  be  a  faithful  servant,  who  have  proved  so  i/?zfaithf ul 
in  everything  ?  and  what  is  it  that  I  have  done  well  ?  Notwith- 
standing, the  Saviour  will  say  to  those  who  have  done  good  with 
their  goods,  "  Thou  hast  been  faithful  over  a  fev^  things  "  which  I 
have  entrusted  thee  with;  and  though  they  were  but  few,  now 
I  will  make  thee  ruler  over  many  things  Matt.  xxiv.  46,  47. 
And  since  it  is  impossible  for  all  thy  Lord's  joy  to  enter  thee, 
enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord:'^'^  Rev.  i.  5,  6. 
Have  you  no  talent  to  improve  ?  not  one  ?  Have  you  no  work 
to  do  ?  Be  assured  of  it,  we  have  all  constant  works  that  demand 
our  close  and  serious  attention.  1st.  Works  of  piety:  such  as 
praying  and  praising;  reading  and  hearing  the  word  of  God; 
with  all  other  public,  private,  and  social  means  of  grace.  2d. 
Works  of  mercy.  We  are  to  instruct  the  ignorant,  admonish  the 
profane,  visit  the  sick,  relieve  the  needy,  comfort  the  distressed, 
pray  for  our  enemies,  do  good  unto  all  men,  and  bless  them  that 
curse  us.  8d.  Works  of  self-denial.  To  deny  ourselves  whatever 
is  sinful,  to  put  off  the  old  man,  to  mortify  the  deeds  of  the 
body,  to  crucify  the  flesh  with  its  affections  and  lusts,  must  be 
our  constant  employment.  ^^Tr  must  in  all  things  do  tcell^  to  meet 
wHh  a  "  Well-done:' 


268 


TO  CONTENTMENT. 


"Let  not  thine  heart  envy  sinners;  but  be  thou  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  ah 
the  day  long.  For  surely  there  is  an  end ;  and  thine  expectation  shall  not  6e 
cut  o/r."  — Prov.  xxiii.  17,  18. 

ENVY  is  one  of  the  devil's  brats,  and  never  should  be  nursed 
by  any  child  of  God.  The  joy  of  envy  is  another's  wo! 
and  the  man  of  envy  is  never  half  so  blest  as  when  he  sees 
a  brother  fall  from  wealth  to  want ;  from  peace  to  strife ;  from 
honor  to  reproach ;  from  mirth  to  tears ;  or  when  virtue  makes  a 
slip :  Prov.  xiv.  30, 

1st.  ''Let  not  thine  heart  envy  sinners who  take  pleasure  in 
their  sins ;  but  rather  pity  them.  For  what  good  things  they 
now  have,  and  for  which  they  barter  their  all,  will  shortly  be 
taken  from  them,  and  they  will  find  they  have  made  a  sad  bar- 
gain :  Matt.  xvi.  26.  Do  not  ''  envy  sinners  "  their  prosperity, 
for  that  is  their  only  portion :  Ps.  xvii.  14 ;  and  that  which  they 
grow  fat  on  now  will  poison  them  in  the  end  :  Prov.  i.  32. 

2d.  ''But  be  thou  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  all  the  day  long  J'  Make 
it  your  daily  business  to  "  fear  the  Lord ;  "  and  while  you  are 
thus  every  day  employed,  you  will  have  neither  time  nor  disposi- 
tion to  "  envy  sinners."  While  blest  with  a  sense  of  His  love, 
you  can  have  nothing  to  wish  or  to  fear ;  but  will  be  thankful 
for  what  you  have,  and  willing  to  want  what  He  is  not  willing  to 
give ;  and  though  you  may  have  a  light  pocket,  that  will  not 
keep  you  from  a  m^erry  heart :  Prov.  xv.  15,  16. 

3d.  "For  surely  there  is  an  end;^^  and  things  will  not  continue 
long  as  they  now  are.  There  is  an  end  "to  the  prosperity  of 
the  wicked :  Ps.  Ixxiii.  18, 19 ;  an  end  to  all  their  pursuits,  profits, 
pleasures,  and  enjoyments:  1  Cor.  vii.  31.  "There  is  an  end" 
ulso  to  the  labors,  trials,  buffetings,  afflictions,  and  spiritual  fight- 
ngs,  of  them  that  "  fear  the  Lord :  "  2  Cor.  iv.  17.  Our  life  will 
ha  '>^e  an  end ;  Gen.  iii.  19.  Whatever  our  present  condition  might 
be,  we  cannot  continue  in  it  long.  "  For  surely  there  is  an  end ; 
and  tl line  expectation  sliall  not  he  cut  q^;"  Jer.  xxix.  11.  What- 
ever God  nas  promised  you,  shall  not  only  be  done,  but  wonder- 
fully outdone:  Eom.  xv.  4.  Consider  the  end;  make  use  of  the 
means;  and  press  on  to  the  end:  PhiL  iii.  1,  14.  Contentment 
with  godliness  is  great  gain. 


TO  CONTENTMENT. 


269 


"  Godliness  with  contentment  is  great  gain,'*  —  1  Tim.  vi.  6. 

OMETIMES  the  term,    godliness,"  more  immediately  refers 


to  that  particular  part  of  religion  which  concerns  our  duty 
to  God ;  but  here,  we  regard  it  as  including  the  whole  of  genuine 
religion ;  consisting  of  doctrines,  duties,  and  privileges.  They 
who  make  Christianity  a  trade,  will  never  find  themselves  to  be 
gainers  by  it  in  the  end ;  but  all  who  closely  attend  to  it  as  a  call- 
ing, will  find  it  a  most  beneficial  one.  Many  who  are  strangers  to 
godliness,  hope  to  make  a  gain  of  it ;  but  all  who  are  acquainted 
with  it,  know  from  experience  that  Godliness  with  contentment  is 
great  gain: Ps.  xxxvii.  16.  Godliness  and  contentment  are  con- 
stant companions  ;  for  true  contentment  grows  out  of  real  godli- 
ness ;  and  that  is  the  Christian's  wealth  while  in  this  world : 
Prov.  xvi.  16.  It  is  the  wisdom  of  God  to  give  to  men  not  all 
alike,  but  what  seemeth  him  good ;  and  it  is  the  wisdom  of  man 
to  be  content  with  what  he  receives  ;  and  it  is  "  godliness,^'  which 
itself  is  gain,  that  makes  a  man  content  in  every  situation :  Phil. 


A  holy  man  has  a  heart  happy  in  itself ;  bliss  in  his  bosom ; 
counts  enough,  wealth ;  envies  none  their  lot ;  his  wishes  are  few, 
and  easy  to  be  obtained ;  his  power  bounds  his  will ;  care  he  has 
none ;  doing .  well  is  his  treasure ;  grace  is  his  health ;  and 
changes  in  Providence  make  no  change  in  him;  for  though  he 
stays  in  the  world,  he  lives  far  above  it :  Ps.  Ixxiii.  25.  The  only 
true  way  to  gain,  is  to  become  a  Christian ;  and  the  Christian's 
gain  is  godliness  ;  which  far  exceeds  all  worldly  gain ;  and  godli- 
ness being  accompanied  with  contentment  makes  it  great  gain : " 
Phil.  iii.  7,  8.  Past  things  can  never  -be  recalled,  and  future 
things  are  in  the  hand  of  God ;  let  us,  therefore,  be  content  with 
the  things  we  have :  Heb.  xiii.  5.  Consider,  1st.  What  good 
things  of  this  life  you  have.  Be  they  little  or  much,  do  you 
deserve  them  ?  Lam.  iii.  22.  Consider,  2d.  What  spiritual  bless- 
ings you  have.  You  have  the  unchanging  love  of  God  fixed  upon 
you:  Jer.  xxxi.  3.  You  have  the  life,  death,  and  intercession  of 
the  Son  of  God,  for  your  righteousness,  sanctification,  and  redemp- 
tion :  1  Cor.  i.  30.  You  have  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God,  for  your 
Guide,  Comforter,  &c. :  John  xiv.  16,  26. 


iv.  11. 


CHAPTER  III. 


PROMISES  TO  DUTIES  BELONGING  TO  BOTH  TABLES. 


"  The  meek  also  shall  increase  their  joy  in  the  Lord,  and  the  poor  among 
men  shall  rejoice  in  the  Holy  One  of  Isrr.el.''  —  Isa.  xxix.  19. 

T   TE  is  the  greatest  conqueror  who  has  subdued  himself.  And 


J — L  the  man  who  gets  and  keeps  the  victory  over  himself  is  by 
far  a  greater  victor  than  was  Alexander ;  in  as  much  as  he  quells 
an  insurrection  at  home,  which  is  more  glorious  than  to  resist  an 
invasion  from  abroad :  Pro  v.  xvi.  32. 

"  The  meek^^  the  humble,  lowly,  and  contrite  in  heart,  who 
tremble  at  God's  word  and  make  it  the  rule  of  their  life,  are  the 
happiest,  and  most  honorable  people  in  the  world :  Isa.  Ivii.  15. 
They  have  joy,  to  which  the  world  are  entire  strangers :  John 
xiv.  22,  23.  The  poor  in  spirit  will  never  be  injured  by  poverty 
in  pocket ;  for  when  affliction  comes,  tliey  will  always  be  able  to 
accommodate  themselves  to  it:  Job  ii.  10.  The  meek  can  find 
"Joy  in  the  Lord,^^  when  there  is  none  to  be  found  in  the  world ; 
and  as  they  are  enabled  to  rejoice  in  all  their  tribulations,  when 
deliverance  comes  they  "increase  in  joyP  The  best  joy  the 
world  can  give,  is  fading;  but  a  believer's  joy  in  the  Lord  is 
increasing :  Prov.  iv.  18.  The  followers  of  the  meek  and  lowly 
Jesus,  are,  in  general,  "  the  poor  among  men ; ''  but  their  poverty 
shall  not  deprive  them  of  that  joy  which  is  to  be  had  in  the  Lord : 
Heb.  vi.  17, 18  ;  for  it  is  promised  to  the  patient :  Rom.  v.  3  ;  the 
humble:  Ps.  Ixix.  32;  and  all  such  as  suffer  the  will  of  God:  1 
Pet.  V.  10.    Meekness  cannot  fail  to  increase  our  happiness. 


TO  THE  MEEK. 


TO  THE  MEEK. 


271 


*•  The  ornament  of  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit,  which  is  in  the  sight  of  God  of 
great  price.**  —  1  Pet.  iii.  4. 

FI^tTE  feathers  make  fine  birds;  but  fine  clothes  can  never 
adorn  a  naked  soul:  Eev.  iii.  17.  Sin  stripped  the  soul 
stark  naked ;  consequently  it  needs  covering  as  much,  yea,  more 
than  the  body;  although  many,  while  they  spare  no  pains  to 
Aecorate  the  poor,  perishing  body,  remain  careless  and  uncon- 
cerned about  their  precious  souls  !  The  silly  sheep,  and  poor  silk* 
worm,  may  furnish  our  bodies  with  clothing;  but  nothing  less 
than  the  righteousness  of  Christ  can  clothe  the  soul :  1  Cor.  i.  30; 
Phil.  iii.  9. 

The  soul's  best  ornaments  are  the  graces  of  the  Spirit  of  God ; 
and  amongst  others,  that  of  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit  Humility, 
Piety,  and  Prudence,  are  "  ornaments  that  never  wax  old,  or 
grow  out  of  fashion,  like  other  ornaments  ;  and  though  many 
weak  minds  think  lightly  of  them,  they  are  "  in  the  sight  of  Ood^^ 
who  estimates  things  according  to  their  true  value,  of  great  price : 
Ps.  cxlix.  4.  Men  may  despise  such  ornaments,  but  that  in  no 
way  lessens  their  value ;  neither  does  it  make  them  to  look  any 
the  worse  on  those  who  wear  them :  Ps.  xxxvii.  11.  Beauty  is 
but  skin-deep,  and  soon  marred.  But  if  you  would  wish  to  appear 
truly  beautiful,  see  to  it  that  you  have  the  hidden  man  of  the  heart 
adorned,  which  can  never  fail  to  attract  the  eye  of  God :  Ps.  xxv. 
9.  And  the  heart  being  rightly  clothed,  will  teach  you  how  to 
dress  the  body ;  and  to  bear  up  under  all  its  sufferings :  Pror, 
xix.  11. 

By  faith  the  soul  is  united  to  J esus  ;  abideth  in  him ;  and 
receiveth  out  of  his  fulness  grace  for  grace.  Paith  worketh  by 
love;  and  love  maketh  the  heart  comfortable,  and  conformable 
to  his  laws.  By  daily  fellowship  with  God  our  Saviour,  we  be- 
come more  and  more  conformed  to  his  lovely  likeness.  By  con- 
stantly conversing  with  Jesus,  love  is  maintained  in  the  heart ; 
and  "  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit  ever  accompanies  love.  As  we 
love  to  see  our  children  well-dressed,  so  doth  the  Lord  greatly 
rejoice  over  all  his  dear  children  in  Christ  Jesus ;  and  is  highly 
pleased  with  their  dress,  which  is  the  spotless  robe  of  his  Son's 
righteousness  3  and  with  their  ornaments,  the  graces  of  his  Spirit. 


272 


TO  THE  HUMBLE. 


"Though  the  Lord  be  high,  yet  he  hath  respect  unto  the  lowly. —  Ps. 

cxxxviii.  6. 

THE  way  to  get  up  high,  is  to  come  down  low.    Those  who 
patiently  bear  contempt  from  wicked  men,  shall  be  respected 
by  God  and  all  good  men:  Pro  v.  xvi.  19. 

"  Though  the  Lord  he  high^^  and  independent  of  all  his  creatures, 
he  is  not  unmindful  of  them ;  and  such  is  the  favor  he  bears  to 
the  humble,  that  he  never  forgets  their  cry :  Ps.  ix.  12.  Guard 
against  pride  as  a  thing  unbecoming  your  character ;  a  disgrace 
to  your  profession ;  a  dishonor  to  your  Saviour ;  a  badge  of  Sa- 
tan's livery ;  a  fruit  of  the  flesh ;  and  contrary  to  the  Spirit. 
And  though  the  proud  may  despise  the  humble,  "  yet  the  Lord 
hath  respect  unto  them  : "  Prov.  xxix.  23.  "  Though  the  Lord  he 
high;'^  though  his  being  and  perfections  are  exalted  infinitely 
above  every  creature,  not  only  high  above  all  that  they  can  have, 
but  above  all  that  they  can  conceive  concerning  him,  "  yet  hath  he 
respect  unto  the  lowlyJ'  He  is  the  high  and  lofty  One,  higher  than 
the  highest:  Eccl.  v.  8.  Yea,  He  is  higher  than  the  highest 
heavens  :  Ps.  cxiii.  4 ;  and  Lord  alono  :  N"eb .  ix.  5,  6.  Yet,  He 
is  not  so  high  but  he  can  stoop  so  low  as  to  respect  the  lowly ; 
and  is  so  well  pleased  with  them,  that  he  deigns  to  bow  over  the 
battlements  of  heaven,  to  cast  a  gracious  look  upon  them :  Isa. 
Ivii.  15.  And  even  while  he  has  heaven  for  his  throne,  and 
EARTH  for  his  footstool.  He  overlooks  both  to  look  and  smile 
upon  them  :  Isa.  Ixvi.  1,  2.  He  hath  respect ''  unto  the  humble 
penitent,  and  accepts  of  him ;  while  he  looks  at  the  proud  afar  off. 

Those  who  scorn  to  be  beholding  to  the  grace  of  God,  expose 
themselves  to  the  scorn  of  the  God  of  grace :  Prov.  iii.  34.  But 
those  who  humble  themselves  to  bear  the  cross,  shall  be  exaltec^ 
to  wear  the  crown :  2  Tim.  iv.  8.  The  surest  way  to  become  rich 
and  honorable,  is  to  become  poor  and  contemptible :  Prov.  xxii. 
4.  The  humblest  sinners  make  the  brightest  saints :  Job  xxii. 
29.  Say,  Christian,  is  the  love  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  the  source 
of  all  present  grace,  and  the  security  of  future  glory  ?  Surely 
this  ought  to  sink  us  low  and  keep  us  humble !  yet,  it  should 
excite  hope  and  keep  us  rejoicing  in  the  Eedeemer. 


TO  THE  HUMBLE. 


273 


"He  that  humbleth  himself  shall  be  exalted. —  Luke  xviii.  14. 
HEN  we  come  before  God  it  should  be  in  our  rags ;  and 


V  V  not  in  our  robes  :  Prov.  xi.  2.  The  proud  hypocrite  justi« 
fies  himself ;  but  God  justifies  the  humble  sinner :  Luke  xviii.  13, 
14.  Humbleness,  or  humility,  consists  in  having  low  thoughts 
of  ourselves,  and  a  sense  of  our  weakness  and  unworthiness,  and 
acting  accordingly :  James  iv.  6.  In  this  frame  of  mind  we  imi- 
tate God,  who,  though  high,  humbleth  himself;  that  is,  conde- 
scends to  look  upon  and  care  for  all  his  creatures :  Ps.  cxiii.  6 ; 
and  imitate  Christ,  who  is  meek  and  lowly ;  and  who  for  our 
sakes,  condescends  to  make  himself  of  no  reputation :  Phil.  ii. 
6-8.  This  temper  is  highly  pleasing  to  God;  and  prepares  us 
for  further  degrees  of  fellowship  with  him,  and  blessings  from 
him :  Prov.  xxii.  4. 

"  He  that  humbleth  himself/^  under  a  sense  of  the  greatness  of 
his  sins,  becomes  subject  to  God;  and  by  Him  ''shall  he  exalted 
Prov.  xxix.  23.  Humility  evinces  its  subject  to  be  a  child  of 
God ;  and  is  joined  with  peace,  contentment,  and  resignation  to 
the  will  of  God :  James  iv.  6,  10.  A  sense  of  our  nothingness 
grows  out  of  an  acquaintance  with  ourselves ;  and  is  a  temper  of 
soul  that  prepares  for  an  increase  of  faith.  "  He  that  humbleth 
himself  may  appear  least  among  men ;  but  he  shall  be  greatest 
in  the  kingdom  of  heaven :  Matt,  xviii.  4.  He  shall  be  exalted 
into  the  favor  and  family  of  God :  John  i.  12.  He  shall  have  the 
privilege  of  holding  converse  with  God ;  as  a  child  with  a  father ; 
and  when  he  shall  come  of  age,  be  exalted  as  high  as  the  throne 
of  God :  Pom.  viii.  14-18.  It  is  the  free  and  eternal  love  of  God 
which  is  the  source  of  every  blessing  we  receive  from  him :  Kom. 
xi.  6 ;  for  we  have  nothing  of  our  own,  but  sin  ;  and  nothing  iu 
which  we  can  boast,  but  the  cross  of  Christ :  Gal.  vi.  14.  What 
have  we  to  be  proud  of  ?  It  is  impossible  for  a  proud  sinner  and 
a  holy  God  ever  to  be  reconciled :  for  God  resisteth  the  proud,  as 
being  enemies  both  to  him  and  his :  1  Pet.  v.  5.  The  first  step 
toward  heaven  is  humility ;  and  every  succeeding  step  must  be 
humility.  Humility  makes  men  to  look  like  angels ;  and  the 
want  of  it  made  angels  to  become  devils :  Jude  6.  A  Christian 
never  looks  so  well  as  when  fully  clothed  with  humility  from 
head  to  foot.  ,  - 


274 


TO  THE  CONTKITE  AND  MOUKNEKS. 


"  The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  them  that  are  of  a  broken  heart ;  and  saveth  such 
as  be  of  a  contrite  spirit/*  — Ps.  xxxiv.  18. 

MANY  love  to  sin  with  David,  while  but  few  love  to  repent 
with  him  :  Ps.  xli.  4.  ISTo  prayers,  no  tears,  no  duties,  no 
conditions,  can  heal  the  wound  that  sin  has  made ;  no,  our  best 
works  and  holiest  duties  are  stained  with  pollution ;  nothing  but 
the  blood  of  the  Lamb  can  bring  peace  to  the  conscience,  and 
healing  to  the  soul :  J ohn  i.  29.  As  Christ's  body  was  broken 
for  our  sins,  so  should  our  hearts  be  broken  on  account  of  our  sins. 

"  The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  them  that  are  of  a  broken  heart;  "  not- 
withstanding, they  may  think  to  the  contrary,  and  suppose  that 
their  crimes  are  of  so  flagrant  a  nature,  and  their  sins  of  so  deep 
a  dye,  that  the  Lord  will  not  have  mercy  on  them ;  and  that,  in 
consequence  of  their  having  sinned  against  so  much  light  and 
love,  God  has  taken  an  everlasting  flight,  and  will  no  more  return 
to  have  compassion  on  them :  Ps.  Ixxvii.  7-9.  It  is  God  alone 
can  make  the  hard  heart  to  become  soft :  Job  xiii.  16.  And  when 
the  Lord  causes  the  heart  to  be  broken  on  account  of  sin.  He  is 
always  nigh  to  have  compassion  on  the  penitent  sinner  :  Lam.  iii. 
32,  33.  His  mercy  endureth  forever;  which  is  a  good  reason 
why  mourning  cannot  last  long :  Ps.  ciii.  17.  You  may  have 
broken  many  promises,  and  the  thought  of  your  faithlessness  may 
break  your  heart ;  but  let  it  not  cause  you  to  despair ;  for  God 
will  never  break  his  :  Heb.  vi.  18. 

The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  you ; ''  not  only  as  a  looker-on,  but  as  a 
helper  ;  "  and  saveth  such  as  he  of  a  contrite  spirit,^^  He  supports 
and  comforts  them,  lest  their  spirits  should  become  too  much 
broken :  Isa.  Ivii.  15.  They  whose  hearts  are  truly  broken,  that 
is,  humbled,  wounded,  pained,  and  troubled,  at  the  sight  of  their 
sins,  shall  assuredly  be  saved  from  their  sins;  for  he  saveth 
such:  Ps.  li.  17.  There  is  balm  in  Gilead;  and  He  will  heal 
every  wound  that  sin  has  made ;  and  bind  up  the  broken,  bleed- 
ing heart :  Ps.  cxlvii.  3.  For  mourning,  he  will  give  singing ; 
and  for  sorrow,  laughter :  Eccl.  vii.  4.  Go  humbly  to  the  Lord ; 
confess  your  sin  with  all  its  aggravation;  use  the  Publican's  plea, 
"  God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner  ! "  and  you  will  find  him  more 
faithful  and  just  to  forgive  your  sins^,  than  you  are  to  confess 
theni. 


TO  THE  CONTRITE  AND  MOUBNEKS. 


275 


Blessed  are  the  poor  in  spirit:  for  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven.'*  — 

Matt.  V.  3. 


JL.  Consider,  1st.  Who  are  the  "poor  in  spirit?^'  Among  men^ 
those  are  counted  poor,  who  are  destitute  of  what  this  world  calls 
good.  And  the  "poor  in  spirit''  are  those  who  have  no  riches 
spiritually;  and  being  sensible  of  their  lost  and  undone  condi- 
tion, they  labor  under  great  dejection,  and  are  ready  to  say, 
"  Even  in  laughter  my  heart  is  sorrowful ;  and  the  end  of  mirth 
is  heaviness  : ''  Prov.  xiv.  13.  They  behold  themselves  as  desti- 
tute of  every  spiritual  good.  Such  are  the  "  poor  in  spirit.''  2d. 
What  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ?  "  Neither  shall  they  say,  Lo 
here  !  or  Lo  there !  for  behold,  the  kingdom  of  God  is  within 
you :  "  Luke  xvii.  21.  Jesus  Christ  himself  is  emphatically 
called  "  THE  KINGDOM  OF  HEAVEN  : "  Matt.  iii.  2,  3.  And  it  is 
very  hard  for  those  who  fancy  themselves  rich,  to  deny  them- 
selves and  enter  this  kingdom ;  to  strip  themselves,  and,  by 
putting  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to  be  found  clothed  in  his 
righteousness  :  1  Cor.  i.  30.  "  Theirs  is  tlie  kingdom  of  heaven.^^ 
3d.  How  did  the  kingdom  of  heaven  become  the  property  of  the 
"  poor  in  spirit  ?  "  Observe,  it  does  not  say,  theirs  shall  be,  but 
"  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven."  How  came  it  theirs  ?  By 
the  love  of  God,  and  the  gift  of  God.  '^For  God  so  loved  the 
world  that  he  gave  them  his  only  begotten  Son : "  John  iii.  16. 

Herein  is  love,  not  that  we  loved  God,  but  that  he  loved  us :  " 
1  John  iv.  10.  And,  4th.  In  what  their  blessedness  consists  ? 
"  Blessed  are  the  poor  in  spirit ;  for  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of 
heaven."  Thus  it  is  evident,  the  possession  of  Christ  is  the  cause 
of  their  blessedness  ;  they  a7^e  blessed  in  the  enjoyment  of  him. 
They  are  blessed  in  Christ  Jesus  with  all  spiritual  blessings.  He 
is  their  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctification,  and  redemption :  1 
Cor.  i.  30.  Jesus  is  unto  them  all  they  need ;  and  his  church  is 
made  up  of  humble,  self-abased,  contrite  souls. 

A  man  must  be  emptied  of  self,  before  he  can  be  filled  with 
Christ ;  he  must  become  "  poor  in  spirit "  before  he  can  become 
rich  in  grace :  James  iv.  6-10.  Any  man  who  lives  beneath  the 
dignity  of  a  Christian  is  poor-spirited. 


better  than  gold  in  the  pocket. 


276  TO  THEM  THAT  SUFFER  FOR 

Hear  the  word  of  the  Lord,  ye  that  tremble  at  his  word;  Your  brethren 
that  hated  you,  cast  you  out  for  my  name's  sake,  said.  Let  the  Lord  be  gloria 
fied ;  but  he  shall  appear  to  your  joy,  and  they  shall  be  ashamed.'^  —  Isa.  Ixvi.  5. 

HEEE,  Christian^  is  a  preface  that  demands  your  serious 
attention.  "  Hear  the  ivord  of  the  Lord;  "  whether  you  be 
rich  or  poor,  bond  or  free  ;  both  far  and  near,  give  it  your  most 
serious  attention.  Ye  that  tremble  at  his  loord,^^  from  a  sense  of 
the  authority  and  holiness  of  it ;  and  choose  rather  to  suffer  than 
violate  it ;  and  are  under  a  holy  awe  of  the  purity  and  goodness 
of  the  Lord  :  Jer.  xxxiii.  9.  Listen  attentively.  "  Your  brethren 
that  hated  you,^^  hated  me  before  they  hated  you :  John  xv.  18. 
Notwithstanding,  they  strive  to  make  it  appear  that  they  loved 
you ;  but  your  conduct  was  so  base,  and  they  were  so  pious,  they 
were  compelled  to  cast  you  out  for  my  name's  sake.^^  The  truly 
pious,  who  endeavor  in  all  things  to  glorify  God,  who  reverence 
his  word,  and  make  it  alone  their  only  rule  of  faith  and  practice, 
have  ever  found  hypocrites  and  rotten  professors  to  be  their  most 
cruel  persecutors,  and  vent  all  their  rage  under  the  cloak  of  relig- 
ion :  1  Pet.  iv.  12.  It  is  nothing  new,  or  uncommon,  for  those 
who  are  farthest  from  God,  to  boast  of  living  nearest  the  church ; 
and  to  cast  out  those  who  live  nearest  to  God.  Our  Lord  told  his 
disciples  the  world  would  hate  them  :  John  xv.  19  ;  but  he  never 
told  them  that  the  world  would  kill  them  ;  0,  no  ;  he  well  knew 
it  would  take  a  professor  of  religion  to  do  tJiat.  Hence,  he  says. 
They  shall  put  you  out  of  their  synagogues  ;  yea,  the  time 
cometh,  that  whosoever  killeth  you,  will  think  that  he  doeth 
God  service  :  ^'  John  xvi.  2.  Though  it  is  evident  that  such  are, 
not  only  of  the  world,  but  the  worst  part  of  the  world  ;  still  they 
are  not  so  called ;  neither  do  they  consider  themselves  such ;  foi 
when  they  persecute  and  cast  out  their  brethren,  they  very 
devoutly  say,  "  Let  the  Lord  be  glorified !  It  is  a  lamentable 
fact,  that  owing  to  unsound  professors  having  too  frequently  the 
rule  in  churches,  the  whole  artillery  of  church-censures  are  lev- 
elled against  her  best  friends.  And  such  is  their  blind  zeal,  that 
they,  according  to  conscience,  persecute  the  followers  of  God  with 
all  the  formalities  of  true  devotion:  Ps.  xiv.  6.  But  ''He  shall 
appear  to  your  joy^  and  they  shall  be  ashamed  J  ^ 


EIGHTEOUSNESS'  SAKE. 


277 


'*  Blessed  are  ye,  when  men  shall  hate  you,  and  when  they  shall  separate 
you  from  their  company,  and  shall  reproach  you,  and  cast  out  your  name  as 
evil  for  the  Son  of  man's  sake."  — Luke  vi.  22. 

IT  matters  but  little  who  speaks  ill  of  you,  so  long  as  God 
speaks  well  of  you.  Whatever  might  be  the  believer's  con- 
dition, it  is  always  a  blessed  condition ;  for  all  things  work 
together  for  their  internal  and  eternal  good :  Rom.  viii.  28. 
Christ  is  a  precious  Master  to  serve  !  and  all  who  have  tried  his 
service  have  proved  it.  A  righteous  cause  may  have  brought 
you  into  suffering,  and  the  anathemas  of  men  may  be  flying  thick 
around  you,  but  let  not  that  disturb  you ;  for  your  Lord  declares, 
"  Blessed  are  yeJ^  But  remember,  it  is  faith  that  brings  God, 
and  Christ,  and  heaven,  and  happiness  into  the  soul ;  for  though 
you  cannot  live  without  trials,  faith  will  enable  you  to  live  above 
them :  Rom.  i.  17.  Blessed  are  ye,  when  men  shall  hate  youJ' 
It  may  seem  a  distressed  case,  for  men  to  hate  you ;  but,  however 
others  may  look  at  it,  do  you  consider  it  a  blessed  state  to  be  in ; 
for  such  the  Saviour  calls  it.  Blessed  are  ye,''  inasmuch  as  you 
are  having  all  the  evil  things  you  ever  will  have,  and  are  highly 
honored,  in  having  such  an  opportunity  afforded  3^ou  of  glorify- 
ing Christ :  Acts  v.  41 ;  and  of  enjoying  the  special  visits  and 
comforts  of  his  grace :  2  Cor.  i.  5.  ''And  when  they  shall  separate 
you  from  their  company, as  one  altogether  unworthy  their  society ; 
and  shall  look  upon  you  as  the  offscouring  of  all  things,  and  the 
filth  of  the  world,  even  then,  "  blessed  are  ye :  "  1  Cor.  iv.  13. 
And  when,  to  justify  their  cruel  and  hateful  conduct  towards 
you,  they  ''  shall  reproach  yoii^"^  by  giving  you  a  most  disgraceful 
character,  saying  all  that  hatred  can  invent  against  you ;  "  blessed 
are  ye.'^  Yoii  cannot  serve  Christ  faithfully  without  giving 
offence ;  offences  will  come ;  but  never  be  offended  with  them. 
And  when  men  are  offended  at  you,  and  hate,  and  separate  3^ou 
from  their  company,  and  reproach  you,  ''and  cast  out  your  name 
as  evil/^  think  it  not  strange ;  for  so  persecuted  they  the  prophets 
which  were  before  you,  both  in  time  and  example :  Matt.  v.  12. 
Only  be  careful  to  know  that  it  is  "for  the  Son  of  mairs  sake:' 
Take  up  the  cross  that  lies  in  your  way,  but  never  pull  one  down 
upon  your  head. 


278 


TO  PATIENCE  AND  SUBMISSION. 


"  The  hope  of  the  righteous  shall  be  gladness.'^  —  Prov.  x.  28. 

E  should  patiently  endure  the  ills  we  cannot  cure.  The 


V  V  Scriptures  assure  us,  "  There  are  none  righteous,  no,  not 
one :  "  Eom.  iii.  10.  Yet,  we  must  so  receive  this  testimony  as 
to  correspond  with  other  declarations  of  the  word  of  God :  for 
His  word  must  not  be  held  up  as  contradictory.  As  none  are 
righteous  in  the  sight  of  God,  who  keep  not  the  whole  law,  and 
nothing  is  more  evident  than  that  all  have  sinned,  Rom.  v.  12, 
and  violated  the  law,  1  John  iii.  4,  it  follows,  that  Jesus  Christ, 
and  J esus  Christ  alone,  is  the  righteous  man  of  the  Scriptures ; 
and  that,  as  many  as  put  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  are  con- 
sidered as  righteous  in  his  righteousness :  J er.  xxiii.  6 ;  xxxiii. 
16 ;  Eom.  iv.  6-8. 

It  generally  happens  that  the  righteous  have  but  little  in  hand, 
though  they  have  much  in  hope :  Eom.  viii.  24,  25.  They  have 
a  firm  expectation  of  all  that  will  be  good  for  them  in  time  and 
eternity.  And  their  hope  is  founded,  not  on  mere  supposition, 
or  the  word  of  changeable  man,  but  on  the  promises,  relations, 
and  perfections  of  God :  Ps.  Ixxxiv.  11 ;  and  the  righteousness 
and  intercession  of  Christ :  1  John  iii.  2,  3.  "  The  hope  of  the 
righteous is  called  the  hope  of  the  gospel ;  as  it  is  begotten 
by  gospel-means,  and  is  founded  on  the  gracious  promises  and 
assurances  contained  in  the  gospel :  Col.  i.  23.  It  is  a  good  hope 
built  on  a  good  foundation :  2  Thess.  ii.  16 ;  has  a  good  object ; 
1  Tim.  i.  1 ;  and  in  the  end  shall  be  gladness  :  Col.  i.  5.  The 
righteous have  a  lively  hope,  springing  from  a  spiritual  life ; 
which  renders  them  lively,  active  and  useful :  1  Pet.  i.  3.  And 
all  their  hopes  shall  be  realized  to  their  unspeakable  comfort: 
Phil.  i.  21,  22.  The  strongest  comforts  that  the  world  can  aftbrd, 
are  far  too  weak  to  support  the  soul  under  persecutions,  tempta- 
tions, and  death ;  but  the  "  hope  of  the  righteous  is  steadfast ; 
so  that,  in  the  worst  of  times,  they  have  a  believing  confidence 
in  God,  which  keeps  them  from  despair  :  Ps.  xlii.  5.  ^'  The  hope 
of  the  righteous"  is  their  anchor  in  the  storm;  and  shall  be 
gladness  when  the  storm  is  over.  Spiritual  pleasures  they  now 
have;  and  endless  joys  are  prepared  for  them,  and  shall  be 
enjoyed  by  them :  Ps.  xcvii.  11. 


TO  PATIENCE  AND  SUBMISSION. 


279 


"If  when  you  do  well,  and  suffer  for  it,  ye  take  it  patiently,  this  is  accepta^ 
ble  with  God.''  —  1  Pet.  ii.  20. 

"TTT ELL-DOING  will  not  exempt  you  from  suffering ;  but  it  is 


V  V  good  to  suffer  in  a  good  cause  :  1  Pet.  iii.  14.  A  lively 
faith  begets  a  cheerful  heart ;  a  joyful  hope  makes  a  resigned 
soul ;  and  a  humble  mind  produceth  a  patient  spirit. 

If  when  you  do  well,^  you  should  find  ^/^a^  no  . security  from  the 
malice  and  mischief  of  men,  but^  on  the  contrary,  have  to  "  suffer 
for  it,^^  let  it  not  cause  you  to  grow  weary  in  well-doing ;  nor  give 
you  any  uneasiness  ;  seeing  your  labor  of  love  shall  not  be  for- 
gotten :  Heb.  vi.  10.  "  Ye  have  need  of  patience  ; for  you  have 
enemies  the  most  trying  and  provoking  to  contend  with  ;  and 
trials  to  endure  that  will  bring  all  your  graces  into  a  lively  exer- 
cise :  Heb.  x.  36.  Endeavor  to  keep  a  conscience  void  of  offence 
toward  God  and  man ;  and  then  fear  nothing  you  may  be  called 
to  suffer  :  Acts  xxiv.  16.  Bow  in  humble  submission  to  the  rod ; 
bearing  in  mind,  that  to  suffer  for  well-doing,  the  cause  of  truth, 
or  any  part  of  a  Christian's  duty,  should  be  considered  a  great 
honor  :  Acts  v.  41,  42.  What  you  may  be  called  to  endure  may 
be  attended  with  a  little  pain,  but  -shall  be  followed  by  great 
pleasure  ;  and  though  you  may  suffer  little,  you  will  gain  much, 
if  you  "  take  it  patiently : Rom.  viii.  35-37.  Let  not  the  great- 
ness of  your  sufferings  ever  discourage  you  :  2  Tim.  ii.  12  ;  or  the 
number  of  your  enemies  frighten  you  :  1  Pet.  iii.  14.  Eor  though 
you  may  not  be  able  to  face  them,  bear  in  mind,  that  your  ene- 
mies are  God's  enemies,  and  He  is  more  than  a  match  for  them, 
and  will  not  suffer  them  to  hurt  you,  though  they  may  be  per- 
mitted to  annoy  you  :  Acts  xviii.  10.  Satan  will  take  advantage 
of  your  distress  ;  and  no  marvel  if  he  cast  the  same  dart  at  you 
that  he  threw  at  your  divine  Lord  :  "  If  thou  be  the  Son  of  God,*' 
why  doth  thy  loving  Father  suffer  such  distress  and  affliction  to 
come  upon  thee  ?  Eaith  can  answer  every  objection.  "  Shall 
not  the  J udge  of  all  the  earth  do  right  ?  "  Yea,  for  He  cannot  do 
wrong. .  By  faith  we  stand  ;  by  patience  we  endure.  Ciirist  was 
patient  under  all  his  weight  of  sufferings  ;  do  you,  as  a  Christian, 
copy  after  his  example  ;  and  suffer  patiently. 


280 


TO  PERSEVERANCE. 


"  The  righteous  shall  hold  on  his  way ;  and  he  that  hath  clean  hands  shall 
be  stronger  and  stronger/'  — Job  xvii.  9. 

CONTINUANCE  in  the  truth  is  the  touchstone  of  faith. 
Jesus  is  precious  only  to  them  that  believe :  1  Pet.  ii.  7. 
The]?e  are,  however,  many  who  profess  his  word,  but  not  being 
his  disciples  indeed,  they  will  not  continue  long ;  and  will  follow 
him  but  a  short  distance.  All  such,  never  having  beheld  them- 
selves as  wretched,  and  miserable,  and  poor,  and  blind,  and  naked, 
they  but  lightly  esteem  the  Saviour.  Little  things  soon  put  them 
to  a  stand.    But,  observe, 

1st.  The  righteous,''^  who  are  truly  sensible  that  they  have  no 
wisdom,  no  righteousness,  no  sanctification,  no  redemption,  but 
what  they  have  in  Christ,  will  highly  prize  him ;  and  every  such 
one  "  shall  hold  on  his  ivay : 1  Cor.  i.  30.  All  who  are  truly 
righteous,  are  known  by  their  Avalking  in  the  ways  of  righteous- 
ness :  Ps.  xxiii.  3.  The  righteous  "  are  all  on  a  journey  from 
this  world  to  a  better :  Heb.  xi.  16 ;  and  so  very  difficult  is  some 
part  of  their  way,  that,  sometimes,  they  stumble,  and  would 
assuredly  tumble  was  it  not  for  their  Guide  :  Ps.  xxxvii.  23,  24. 
At  other  times,  they  are  exposed  to  great  dangers  from  enemies 
waylaying  them :  Ps.  xxxviii.  12 ;  and,  perhaps,  about  the  same 
time,  their  way  becomes  so  dark,  that  they  cannot  see  one  inch 
before  them  :  Isa.  1.  10  ;  still,  so  far  are  they  from  thinking  of 
turning,  that  each  one  perseveres,  and  holds  on  his  way.^'  Diffi- 
culties and  dangers  may  present  themselves,  and  the  enemy  may 
suggest  that  it  is  useless  to  proceed,  for  one  day  or  other  he  will 
assuredly  fall ;  and,  therefore,  might  as  well  give  up  at  first  as  at 
last.  But  he  does  not  stand  deliberating  whether  it  is  best  to 
proceed  or  return ;  for,  having  no  armor  for  the  back,  he  looks  to 
his  God,  and    holds  on  his  way  : 1  Sam.  ii.  9. 

2d.  "  He  that  hath  clean  hands  may  make  himself  easy  about 
his  feet ;  for  so  long  as  he  walks  in  the  path  of  duty,  he  need 
have  no  fears  as  to  his  safety  :  Ps.  xxxvii.  31.  One  who  has  been 
made  sick  of  sin  will  endeavor  to  keep  his  hands  clean  from  sin  ; 
and  by  looking  upon  the  trials  and  afflictions  of  others  who  feared 
God,  and  seeing  how  they  were  supported  under,  and  delivered 
from  them,  he  grows  stronger,^^ 


TO  PERSEVERAKCE. 


281 


"Let  as  not  be  weary  in  well-doing ;  for  in  due  season  we  shall  reap,  if  we 
faint  /70f.»'  — Gal.  vi.  9. 

GHEISTIAISrS;  who  have  had  so  much  good  done  for  them, 
should  never  grow  tired  in  doing  good  to  others  :  1  Cor.  xv. 
58.  Not  a  crumb  of  comfort,  or  a  drop  of  cold  water,  given  in 
the  name  of  Christ  to  one  of  his  disciples,  shall  be  forgotten  by 
him. 

1st.  Let  us  not  be  iveary  in  well-doing ;  for  it  is  easier  to  do 
well,  than  to  do  ill ;  but  still,  owing  to  the  opposition  we  find  in 
our  own  nature,  as  also  from  the  many  hindrances  we  meet  from 
a  persecuting,  malicious,  and  gainsaying  world,  there  is  a  danger 
of  becoming  "  weary  in  well-doing :  2  John  8,  9.  We  are  called, 
not  to  loiter,  but  to  labor ;  not  to  stand  idle,  but  to  work ;  not 
merely  to  talk  of  Christ,  but  to  follow  him  in  precept  and  example. 
The  wise  Disposer  of  all  events,  in  the  distribution  of  his  provi- 
dence, has  given  much  of  this  world's  goods  to  some,  that  they 
might  have  an  opportunity  of  doing  good  to  others  :  Deut.  xv. 
10,  11;  as  also,  to  try  the  faith  and  patience  of  the  poor:  James 
i.  2-4.  Instead  of  being  weary,  and  thinking,  because  we  have 
repeatedly  done  good,  that  we  are  not  to  do  so  again,  let  us  seek 
for  fresh  opportunities  to  do  good ;  resting  assured  that  we  can 
never  do  too  much :  2  Cor.  ix.  6-8.  For, 

2d.  "  In  due  season  we  shall  reap the  blessing  of  God  upon 
that  which  we  have :  Isa.  Iviii.  7,  8 ;  and  also,  the  blessings  and 
benefit  of  their  prayers  to  whom  we  have  done  good ;  while  we 
shall  reap  the  solid  satisfaction  of  having  done  that  which  was 
pleasing  to  God,  and  beneficial  to  our  fellow-men ;  and  which  can- 
not fail  to  be  a  never-failing  spring  of  peace  and  consolation  unto 
us :  Isa.  Iviii.  10,  11.  The  husbandman  does  not  expect  to  reap 
a  good  harvest  without  ploughing  and  sowing ;  yet  he  is  encour- 
aged to  perform  his  daily  toil  with  cheerfulness,  by  the  hope  of 
reaping  "in  due  season."  Let  us,  then,  labor  with  all  our  might, 
doing  whatevei  labor  our  hands  may  find  to  do ;  knowing  that 
we  also  "shall  reap  in  due  season  if  ice  faint  not:^'  Luke  vi.  38. 
We  must  not  grow  weary  and  withdraw  from  well-doing,  or  we 
shall  both  lose  our  harvest,  and  the  seed  we  have  already  sown; 
Matt.  X.  22.    Our  reward  may  be  long  delayed,  but  it  will  come. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


PROMISES  RELATING  TO  THE  STATE  OF  THE  CHURCH: 
OF  THE  ENLARGEMENT  OF  THE  CHURCH. 

"In  that  day  there  shall  be  a  root  of  Jesse,  which  shall  stand  for  an  ensign 
of  the  people  ;  to  it  shall  the  Gentiles  seek  ;  and  his  rest  shall  be  glorious/'  — 
Isa.  xi.  10. 

CHRISTIANS  never  need  expect  any  favor  from  worldlings : 
John  XV.  19.  They  ought,  therefore,  as  one  family,  to  be 
united  among  themselves,  that  they  might  assist  and  protect  each 
other :  John  xiii.  35.  ''In  that  day/^  the  day  of  Christ  the  Saviour, 
''there  shall  he  a  root  of  Jesse: Eom.  xv.  12  ;  and  though  many 
look  upon  him  as  "d^  root  out  of  dry  ground:^'  Isa.  liii.  2;  he 
shall  rise  a  flourishing  branch  out  of  Jesse's  root.  He  is  the  root 
of  David :  Eev.  v.  5 ;  and  the  offspring  of  David :  Eev.  xxii.  16. 
"  Which  shall  stand  for  an  ensign  of  the  peopleJ^  Ensigns,  Banners, 
or  Standards,  are  colors  borne  in  time  of  war,  for  assembling, 
distinguishing,  directing,  and  encouraging  the  people.  When  the 
Israelites  were  in  the  wilderness,  every  tribe  had  its  particular 
ensign ;  by  the  which  the  several  tribes  were  collected,  &c.  Christ 
was  raised  as  an  "ensiCxN  of  the  people.''  And  the  blessed  Jesus 
said,  "  And  I,  if  I  be  lifted  up  from  the  earth,  will  draw  all  men 
unto  me : "  John  xii.  32.  He  was  lifted  up  on  the  cross,  and 
afterwards  commissioned  his  disciples  to  go  forth,  and  hold  him 
up  to  the  people  on  the  pole  of  the  Gospel ;  to  animate  them  on 
their  journey ;  to  encourage  and  embolden  them  in  their  warfare 
against  Sin,  the  World,  the  Flesh,  and  the  Devil ;  and  hence,  He 
is  called,  an  "  ensign  of  the  people  : "  Isa.  xi.  12.  "  To  it  shall 
the  Gentiles  seeJcJ'  The  banner  of  his  love  excites,  directs,  pro- 
tects, and  encourages  his  army  in  their  warfare  against  sin  ;  and 
when  every  foe  is  subdued,  "his  rest  shall  be  glorious.^' 


OF  THE  ENLAEGEMENT  OF  THE  CHURCH.  283 


"/  say  unto  you,  That  many  shall  come  from  the  east  and  ivest,  and  shall 
sit  down  with  Abraham,  and  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven.^*  — 
Matt.  Tiii.  11. 

THUS  SAITH  THE  Lord.  "  And  I  will  bless  them  that  bless 
thee,  and  curse  them  that  curse  thee ;  and  in  thee  shall  all 
families  of  the  earth  be  blessed :  Gen.  xii.  3.  Ask  of  me,  and 
I  will  give  thee  the  heathen  for  thine  inheritance,  and  the  utter- 
most parts  of  the  earth  for  thy  possession :  Ps.  ii.  8.  All  the 
ends  of  the  earth  shall  remember  and  turn  unto  the  Lord ;  and 
all  the  kindreds  of  the  nations  shall  worship  before  thee.  For 
the  kingdom  is  the  Lord's,  and  he  is  the  Governor  among  the 
nations  :  Ps.  xxii.  27,  28.  That  thy  way  may  be  known  upon 
earth,  thy  saving  health  among  all  nations  :  Ps.  Ixvii.  2.  Thy 
people  shall  be  willing  in  the  day  of  thy  power  :  Ps.  ex.  3.  He 
shall  have  dominion,  also,  from  sea  to  sea,  and  from  the  river 
unto  the  ends  of  the  earth  :  Ps.  Ixxii.  8.  Princes  shall  come  out 
of  Egypt ;  Ethiopia  shall  soon  stretch  out  her  hands  unto  God : 
Ps.  Ixviii.  31.  Yea,  all  kings  shall  fall  down  before  him ;  all 
nations  shall  serve  him  :  Ps.  Ixxii.  11.  All  nations  whom  thou 
hast  made  shall  come  and  worship  before  thee,  0  Lord  ;  and  shall 
glorify  thy  name  :  Ps.  Ixxxvi.  9.  His  name  shall  endure  forever ; 
his  name  shall  be  continued  as  long  as  the  sun ;  and  men  shall  be 
blessed  in  him ;  all  nations  shall  call  him  blessed :  Ps.  Ixxii.  17. 
God  shall  bless  us  ;  and  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  shall  fear  him  : 
Ps.  Ixvii.  7.  Let  the  whole  earth  be  filled  with  his  glory.  Amen 
and  Amen.'' 

"  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  in  the  last  days,  that  the  mountain 
of  the  Lord's  house  shall  be  established  in  the  top  of  the  moim- 
tains,  and  shall  be  exalted  above  the  hills ;  and  all  nations  shall 
flow  unto  it :  Isa.  ii.  2.  Every  valley  shall  be  exalted,  and  ever}^ 
mountain  and  hill  shall  be  made  low ;  and  the  crooked  shall  be 
made  str  ,ht,  and  rough  places  plain  ;  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord 
shall  be  revealed,  and  all  flesh  shall  see  it  together ;  for  the  mouth 
of  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it :  Isa.  xl.  4,  5.  I  have  sworn  by  myself, 
the  word  has  gone  out  of  my  mouth  in  righteousness,  and  shall 
not  return.  That  unto  me  every  knee  shall  bow,  every  tongue 
shall  swear :  "  Isa.  xlv.  23.    Lord,  hasten  that  happy  period  I 


284  OF  THE  ENLARGEMENT  OF  THE  CHUKCH. 

"/  will  also  give  thee  for  a  light  to  the  Gentiles,  that  thou  mayest  b9  my 
salvation  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth.''  — Isa.  xlix.  G. 

THIS  is  truly  good  news !  the  best  that  ever  came  from  heaven 
to  earth :  Luke  ii.  10^  11.  Hear  ye  the  word  of  the  Lord  ! 
"  And  he  said,  It  is  a  light  thing  that  thou  shouldest  be  my  ser- 
vant, to  raise  up  the  tribes  of  Judah,  and  to  restore  the  preserved 
of  Israel;  I  will  also  give  thee  as  a  light  to  the  Gentiles,  that 
thou  mayest  be  my  salvation  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth  :  Isa. 
xlix.  6.  As  I  live,  saith  the  Lord,  thou  shalt  surely  clothe  thee 
with  them  all,  as  with  an  ornament,  and  bind  them  on  thee  as  a 
bride  doeth  :  ver.  18.  A  law  shall  proceed  from  me,  and  I  will 
make  my  judgment  to  rest  for  a  light  of  the  people.  My  right- 
eousness is  near ;  my  salvation  is  gone  forth,  and  mine  arms  shall 
judge  the  people ;  the  isles  shall  wait  upon  me,  and  on  mine  arm 
shall  they  trust :  Isa.  li.  4,  5.  The  Lord  hath  made  bare  his  holy 
arm  in  the  eyes  of  all  the  nations ;  and  all  the  ends  of  the  earth 
shall  see  the  salvation  of  our  God :  Isa.  lii.  10.  The  Eedeemer 
shall  come  to  Zion,  and  unto  them  that  turn  from  transgression 
in  Jacob,  saith  the  Lord :  Isa.  lix.  20.  Behold,  I  have  given  him 
for  a  witness  to  the  people,  a  leader  and  commander  to  the  people. 
Behold,  thou  shalt  call  a  nation  that  thou  knowest  not,  and  nations 
that  knew  not  thee  shall  run  unto  thee,  because  of  the  Lord  thy 
God,  and  for  the  Holy  One  of  Israel  ]  for  he  hath  glorified  thee  : 
Isa.  Iv.  4,  5.  When  thou  shalt  make  his  soul  an  offering  for  sin, 
he  shall  see  his  seed,  he  shall  prolong  his  days,  and  the  pleasure 
of  the  Lord  shall  prosper  in  his  hand.  He  shall  see  of  the  travail 
of  his  soul  and  be  satisfied  :  Isa.  liii.  10,  11.  The  Gentiles  shall 
come  to  thy  light,  and  kings  to  the  brightness  of  thy  rising  :  Isa. 
Ix.  3.  Who  hath  heard  such  a  thing  ?  who  hath  see^^  such  things  ? 
shall  the  earth  be  made  to  bring  forth  in  one  aa /  ?  or  shall  a 
nation  be  born  at  once  ?  for  as  soon  as  Zion  travailed,  she  brought 
forth  her  children  :  Isa.  Ixvi.  8.  And  in  the  days  of^-^,  ^^e  kings 
shall  the  God  of  heaven  set  up  a  kingdom,  which  sh'  .  never  be 
destroyed ;  and  the  kingdom  shall  not  be  left  to  other  people,  but 
it  shall  break  in  pieces  and  consume  all  these  kingdoms,  and  it 
shall  stand  forever  :  Dan.  ii.  44.  Who  are  these  that  fly  as  a 
cloud/^  &c. :  Isa.  Ix.  8. 


OF  THE  ENLARGEMENT  OF  THE  CHURCH. 


285 


'*  And  I,  if  I  be  lifted  up  from  the  earth,  will  draw  all  men  unto  me. " — - 
John  xii.  32. 

THOUGH  many  of  all  nations  reject  Christy  his  cliurch  will 
be  made  up  of  believers  of  all  nations. 
^^And  there  was  given  him  dominion,  and  glory,  and  a  king- 
dom, that  all  people,  nations,  and  languages,  should  serve  him ; 
his  dominion  is  an  everlasting  dominion,  which  shall  not  pass 
away,  and  his  kingdom  that  which  shall  not  be  destroyed  :  Dan. 
vii.  14.  And  many  nations  shall  be  joined  to  the  Lord  in  that 
day,  and  shall  be  my  people ;  and  I  will  dwell  in  the  midst  of 
thee ;  and  thou  shalt  know  that  the  Lord  of  hosts  hath  sent  me 
unto  thee :  Zech.  ii.  11.  And  the  Lord  shall  be  King  over  all  the 
earth ;  in  that  day  shall  there  be  one  Lord,  and  his  name  one  • 
Zech.  xiv.  9.  And  in  every  place  incense  shall  be  offered  unto 
my  name,  and  a  pure  offering ;  for  my  name  shall  be  great  among 
the  heathen,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts :  Mai.  i.  11.  And  this  gos- 
pel of  the  kingdom  shall  be  preached  in  all  the  world,  for  a  Avit- 
ness  unto  all  nations ;  and  then  shall  the  end  come :  Matt,  xxiv, 
14.  And  they  shall  all  be  taught  of  God :  John  vi.  45.  After 
those  days,  saith  the  Lord,  I  will  put  my  laws  into  their  mind, 
and  write  them  in  their  hearts ;  and  I  will  be  to  them  a  God,  and 
they  shall  be  to  me  a  people ;  and  they  shall  not  teach  every  man 
his  neighbor,  and  every  man  his  brother,  saying.  Know  the  Lord; 
for  all  shall  know  me,  from  the  least  to  the  greatest :  Heb.  viii. 
10,  11.  At  the  name  of  Jesus  every  knee  shall  bow,  of  things 
in  heaven,  and  things  on  earth,  and  things  under  the  earth ;  and 
that  every  tongue  should  confess  that  Jesus  Christ  is  Lord,  to  the 
glory  of  God  the  Father :  Phil.  ii.  10,  11.  I  beheld,  and  lo,  a 
great  multitude  which  no  man  could  number,  of  all  nations,  and 
kindred,  and  people,  and  tongues,  stood  before  the  throne,  and 
before  the  Lamb,  clothed  with  white  robes,  and  palms  in  their 
hands ;  Kev.  vii.  9.  And  I  heard  a  loud  voice  saying  in  heaven, 
Now  is  come  salvation,  and  strength,  and  the  kingdom  of  our 
God,  and  the  povv  er  of  his  Christ ;  for  the  accuser  of  our  brethren 
is  cast  down  which  accused  them  before  our  God  day  and  night  : 
Eev.  xii.  10.  And  the  seventh  angel  sounded;  and  there  were 
great  voices  in  heaven,  saying,  The  kingdoms  of  this  world," 
&c. :  Kev.  xi.  15. 


286 


OF  THE  GLOKY  OF  THE  CHURCH. 


"Glorious  things  are  spoken  of  thee,  0  city  of  God/'  —  Ps.  Ixxxvii.  3. 

MUCH  has  been  said  against  the  church  by  her  enemies ;  who 
delight  in  saying  all  manner  of  evil  of  her :  Acts  xxviii. 
22.  But  the  testimony  of  the  wicked,  we  know,  is  not  to  be 
taken  in  this  case ;  we  have  therefore  to  hear  what  the  Scriptures 
say  of  her.  And  there  we  find  so  many  "glorious  things  spoken 
of  her,^^  that  we  scarcely  know  where  to  begin,  when  to  leave  off, 
or  how  to  admire  her  enough;  much  less  can  we  sufficiently 
adore  the  goodness  of  that  God,  who  could  bestow  so  much  love 
upon  her  when  she  was  so  greatly  defiled :  Ezek.  xvi.  6-14.  The 
Gospel  Church  is  "  spoken  of  "  as  God's  beloved :  Ps.  Ix.  6 ;  His 
adopted  sons :  Gal.  iv.  5 ;  His  peculiar  people :  1  Pet.  ii.  9 ;  His 
friends :  J ames  ii.  23 ;  His  family :  Eph.  iii.  15 ;  His  heirs :  Eom. 
viii.  17 ;  His  heritage:  Jer.  xii.  7;  His  jewels:  Mai.  iii.  17;  His 
treasure :  Ps.  cxxxv.  4 ;  His  princes :  1  Sam.  ii.  8 ;  His  building : 
1  Cor.  iii.  9;  His  dearly  beloved:  Jer.  xii.  7;  The  king's  daughter: 
Ps.  xlv.  13 ;  Children  of  the  kingdom :  Matt.  xiii.  38 ;  Assembly 
of  saints :  Ps.  Ixxxix.  7 ;  Plock  of  God :  Acts  xx.  28 ;  Fold  of 
Christ :  John  x.  16 ;  Inhabitants  of  Zion :  Isa.  xii.  6 ;  Joy  of  the 
whole  earth:  Ps.  xlviii.  2;  Light  of  the  world:  Matt.  v.  14; 
3ride,  the  Lamb's  wife  :  Eev.  xxi.  9 ;  &c.,  &c. 

Yea,  such  "glorious  things  are  spoken  of"  the  church  of  Christ, 
that  one  half  can  never  be  told.  Moreover,  it  is  said,  "the  glory 
of  the  Lord  is  risen  upon  her :  "  Isa.  Ix.  1,  2.  And  that  the  Lord 
shall  be  her  everlasting  light  and  glory:  Isa.  Ix.  19.  And  she 
shall  be  a  crown  of  glory  in  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  and  a  royal 
diadem  in  the  hand  of  her  God  :  Isa.  Ixii.  2,  3.  She  is  spoken  of 
as  the  City  of  God,"  because  he  planned,  built,  and  peopled  it, 
and  governs,  defends,  and  dwells  in  her :  Heb.  xii.  22.  She  is 
called  a  "great  city,"  on  account  of  her  extent,  and  great  number 
of  her  members :  Eev.  xxi.  10.  She  is  called  a  "  holy  city,"  on 
account  of  her  Founder,  members,  and  laws,  being  all  holy: 
Eev.  xi.  2. 

"The  King's  daughter  is  all  glorious  within;  her  clothing  is 
of  wrought  gold : "  Ps.  xlv.  13.  The  joy  of  the  whole  earth  is 
Mount  Zion :  Ps.  xlviii.  2.  Out  of  Zion,  the  perfection  of  beauty, 
God  hath  shined. 


"  Glorious  things  are  snoken  '^f  thee,  O  City  of  God  ^ "  —  Page  286. 


t 


OF  THE  GLOKY  OF  THE  CHITRCH. 


287 


**  And  the  city  had  no  need  of  the  sun,  neither  of  the  moon,  to  shine  in  it: 
for  the  glory  of  God  did  lighten  it,  and  the  Lamb  is  the  light  thereof. —  Key. 
xxi.  23. 

LANGUAGE  is  so  weak,  that  there  is  both  a  want  of  words, 
and  a  want  in  words,  when  any  member  of  the  church  at- 
tempts to  describe  the  glory  of  it.  For  even  while  in  her  militant 
state,  or  state  of  suffering  and  war,  she  is  said  to  be  "clothed 
with  the  sun,  the  moon  under  her  feet,  and  upon  her  head  a  crown 
of  twelve  stars : Rev.  xii.  1.  And  being  thus  clothed  with  the 
righteousness  of  Jesus,  she  stands  upon  the  world,  looking  upon 
it  as  a  country  not  worthy  her  affections,  and  hastens  homeward, 
to  the  "  city  which  has  no  need  of  the  snnJ^  Heaven  is  that  city, 
to  which  the  church  is  ever  tending;  and  whose  Builder  and 
Defender  is  God  :  Heb.  xi.  10-16.  While  travelling  to  her  native 
city,  the  church  is  frequently  called  to  pass  through  great  con- 
flicts ;  and  her  path  sometimes  becomes  so  dark,  that  it  is  with 
difficulty  she  can  proceed :  Isa.  1.  10.  But  when  she  joins  the 
church  above,  she  will  find  that  such  is  the  glory  of  that  city 
where  they  dwell,  they  "  have  no  need  of  the  sun :  Isa.  Ix.  19. 
We  need  not  the  light  of  a  candle  while  we  are  walking  in  the 
light  of  the  noon-day  sun.  And  such  will  be  the  bright  and  daz- 
zling glory  proceeding  from  God  and  the  Lamb  upon  the  re- 
deemed, that  the  sun  would  be  totally  eclipsed  by  it.  "  Neither 
of  the  moon  ^'  have  they  any  need ;  for  there  shall  be  "  no  night 
there  :  ^'  Rev.  xxii.  5.  ''For  the  glory  of  God,^^  which  is  continu- 
ally shining  forth  without  a  veil,  doth  "  ligiiten  it : Eev.  xxi.  11. 
''And  the  Lamb,^^  the  true  Light,  which  lighteth  every  man  that 
Cometh  into  the  world,  John  i.  9,  "  is  the  light  tliereof ; so  that, 
to  be  where  the  Lamb  is,  is  to  be  in  light,  whether  it  be  in  heaven 
or  in  a  dungeon  :  Luke  ii.  32  ;  John  viii.  12. 

Who  would  not  be  willing  to  suffer  with  Christ  on  earth,  to 
reign  with  him  in  heaven  ?  Rom.  viii.  17.  The  church  will  soon 
exchange  her  reproach,  for  honor ;  her  tears,  for  joy  ;  her  shame, 
for  glory;  her  cross,  for  a  crown.  "And  God  shall  wipe  away 
all  tears  from  their  eyes  ;  and  there  shall  be  no  more  deaths 
neither  sorrow  nor  crying,  neither  shall  there  be  any  more  pain." 


288 


OF  THE  INCREASE  OF  KNOWLEDGE. 


**  They  also  that  erred  in  spirit  shall  come  to  understanding,  and  they  that 
murmured,  shall  learn  doctrine.'^  —  Isa.  xxix.  24. 

E  may  venture  to  affirm,  that  ignorance  is  the  cause  of 
wickedness ;  for  if  men  were  fully  convinced  of  the  great 
evil  of  sin,  the  good  they  lost,  and  the  misery  they  procured  by 
it,  they  would  never  delight  in  it.  Wonderful  have  been  the 
revolutions  already  brought  about  by  the  light  of  the  Gospel ;  and 
indeed,  it  was  sent  to  make  blind  men  to  see ;  the  lame  to  walk ; 
the  poor  to  become  rich;  the  captive  to  go  free;  the  sorrowful 
to  rejoice ;  and  the  dead  to  live :  Luke  iv.  18.  Observe, 

1st.  "  They  also  that  erred  in  spirit/'  who  misunderstood  the 
things  that  were  written,  consequently  rested  under  great  mis- 
takes and  misapprehensions  concerning  them,  ''shall  come  to 
understanding :  Isa.  xxix.  18.  The  Spirit  of  truth  shall  be  given 
them,  to  rectify  all  their  mistakes,  and  enlighten  their  minds,  so 
as  to  bring  them  to  understand  those  things  that  belong  to  their 
peace  ;  and  they  shall  be  led  into  all  truth :  John  xvi.  13.  Those 
who  are  ignorant  of  the  truths  of  God,  are  very  apt  to  quarrel 
and  find  fault  with  them,  and  condemn  them  because  they  are 
unacquainted  with  them  :  John  vi.  60. 

2d.  ''  They  that  murmured  shall  learn  doctririe  ;  and  that  will  put 
a  stop  to  all  their  murmuring ;  for  as  soon  as  they  learn  the  true 
meaning  of  the  doctrines  contained  in  the  Bible,  they  will  be 
well  satisfied  with,  and  find  no  cause  to  complain  of  them:  Ps. 
cxix.  128,  165.  This  ought  to  encourage  every  member  of  the 
church  to  look  forward  to,  and  pray  for,  the  coming  of  the  day 
when  those  that  have  erred  in  spirit,  and  are  still  deceived,  shall 
be  brought  to  a  proper  understanding  :  Isa.  xxv.  6,  7.  We  should 
never  think  that  God  frowns,  because  his  providence  is  cross ;  or 
that  the  sun  has  gone  out,  because  the  sky  looks  dark :  James  v. 
10,  11.  We  have  cause  to  lament,  that  many  remain  so  ignorant 
and  dark,  with  the  book  of  wisdom  and  light  in  their  hand ;  but 
we  have  cause  to  rejoice,  that  knowledge  shall  increase:  Dan. 
xii.  4.  The  knowledge  of  the  Lord  must  increase.  "The  earth 
shall  be  full  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord,  as  the  waters  cover 
the  sea : "  Isa.  xi.  9. 


OF  THE  INCREASE  OP  KNOWLEDGE. 


289 


"And  they  shall  be  all  taught  of  God.''  — John  vi.  45. 
ATURE  teaches  all  to  wander  from  God;  but  has  never 
taught  one  the  way  to  him :  1  Cor.  i.  21.  All  whom  God 
teaches  are  well  taught ;  for  he  teaches  men  to  know  themselves 
as  sinners ;  that,  finding  their  need  of  a  Saviour,  they  might  flee 
to  the  only  hope,  which  he,  in  his  infinite  wisdom,  has  set  before 
them  in  the  Gospel :  Heb.  vi.  18.  And  having  opened  their  eyes 
to  see  themselves,  He  draws  them  by  the  cords  of  his  love,  shows 
them  the  relations  in  which  He  stands  to  them,  and  what  he  has 
done  for  them,  in  order  that  they  might  be  saved  :  John  iii.  16-18. 
His  people  are  scattered  all  over  the  world,  and  but  few  have  a 
saving  acquaintance  with  him ;  but  they  shall  all  be  brought  to, 
and  taught  of  him  :  Isa.  liv.  13. 

"  And  they  shall  he  all  taught  of  God to  know  their  wants  and 
woes,  and  where  to  get  supplies.  He  points  with  his  word  and 
Spirit  to  Jesus,  the  friend  and  Saviour  of  sinners ;  shows  them 
how  to  escape  wretchedness,  and  obtain  blessedness  ;  dispels  their 
fears,  and  attracts  them  by  his  love :  John  vi.  44.  It  is  in  vain 
for  any  to  think  themselves,  spiritually,  the  children  of  God,  who 
have  not  been  "  taught  of  God,''  both  to  know  themselves,  and  to 
know  Him.  For  it  is  written,  ^^And  all  thy  children  shall  be 
taught  of  the  Lord : Isa.  liv.  13. 

When  God  undertakes  to  teach  a  man.  He  has  to  find  him  an 
eye  to  see,  an  ear  to  hear,  and  a  heart  to  understand :  Eph.  iv.  18. 
But  it  matters  not  how  dull  the  scholar  he  takes  into  his  school : 
for  he  has  such  a  wonderful  fashion  of  instructing  the  ignorant, 
that  it  is  impossible  for  any  one  to  miscarry  who  is  taught  of 
him :  Ps.  cxix.  102.  A  constant  adherence  to  the  ways  of  God  in 
the  time  of  trial,  is  a  good  evidence  that  we  have  been  taught  of 
him :  Ps.  Ixxi.  17.  God  is  never  at  a  loss  what  lesson  to  give ; 
and  though  many  lessons  he  gives  are  very  hard  to  learn,  they 
are  all  very  good  when  learned. 

And  they  shall  teach  no  more  every  man  his  neighbor,  and 
every  man  his  brother,  saying,  know  the  Lord ;  for  they  shall  all 
know  me,  from  the  least  of  them  unto  the  greatest  of  them,  saith 
the  Lord ;  for  I  will  forgive  their  iniquity,  and  I  will  remembei 
their  sius  uo  more,'^ 


290 


OF  PURITY  AND  RIGHTEOUSNESS. 


"He  shall  sit  as  a  refiner  and  purifier  of  silver;  and  he  shall  purify  the 
sons  of  Levi,  and  purge  them  as  gold  and  silver,  that  they  may  offer  unto  the 
Lord  an  offering  in  righteousness.  "  —  Mai.  iii.  3. 

JESUS  CHRIST  came  into  this  world  as  a  Eefiner,  to  separate 
the  precious  from  the  vile  :  Mat^.  iii.  12.  He  still  carries  on 
the  work  of  refining ;  and  his  people  may  depend  upon  it^  that 
when  they  are  prepared  for  the  fire,  it  will  be  prepared  for  them. 
Observe, 

1st.  Christ  is  the  great  Eefiner.  By  his  word,  his  blood,  his 
Spirit,  and  sanctified  afflictions,  he  purges  out  the  dross  of  error, 
corruptions,  and  disorderly  members  from  his  church :  Isa.  xlviii. 
10 ;  and  the  dross  of  sin  and  base  desire  from  the  hearts  of  his 
believing  people:  Zech.  xiii.  9.  2d.  Who  they  are,  that  he  will 
purify.  The  sons  of  Levi.^^  All  true  Christians  are  sons  of 
Levi ; "  inasmuch,  as,  like  the  tribe  of  Levi,  they  are  devoted  to 
the  service  of  God,  and  are  a  holy  priesthood :  1  Pet.  ii.  5 ; 
designed  to  be  priests  unto  God :  Eev.  i.  6.  3d.  How  he  will 
purify  them.  He  will  ''purge  them  as  gold  and  silver T^^J 
shall  not  only  be  washed  outwardly,  but  sanctified  inwardly ; 
their  corruptions  that  dwell  within,  shall  be  purged  out ;  and  this 
shall  be  done  in  the  fire,  "  as  gold  and  silver are  purged  to  take 
away  their  dross  and  make  them  more  valuable  :  Matt.  iii.  11. 
Afflictions,  temptations,  and  pain,  are  designed  for  the  trial  of 
their  faith  :  1  Pet.  i.  6,  7.  4th.  The  Eefiner's  design  :  "  that  they 
may  offer  unto  the  Lord  an  offering  in  righteousness^  His  design 
is,  not  to  destroy,  but  to  refine  his  people  :  Ps.  iv.  5.  All  who  are 
converted  to  God,  must  be  consecrated  to  him ;  love,  prayer,  and 
praise,  are  an  offering  which  the  Lord  will  accept.  We  must  be 
refined  and  purified  by  the  grace  of  God,  before  we  can  offer  a 
sacrifice  acceptably  to  God :  Zeph.  iii.  9.  The  fire  consumes 
nothing  belonging  to  the  Christian  but  his  dross,  and  his  bonds : 
1  Pet.  iv.  12.  And,  6th.  The  position  of  the  Eefiner.  "  He  shall 
SIT  as  a  rejiner,'^^  As,  or  like,  a  refiner,  who  takes  his  seat  by  the 
side  of  the  furnace,  and  carefully  watches  the  precious  metal,  lest 
the  fire  be  too  hot  or  too  cold,  or  it  should  be  too  long  in  the  fire ; 
so  Jesus,  the  Eefiner  of  his  people,  never  takes  his  eye  from  off 
them  while  in  the  furnace,,  but  waits  till  he  can  see  his  image  in 
ihem. 


OF  PURITY  AND  RIGHTEOUSNESS. 


291 


"  And  to  her  was  granted  that  she  should  be  arrayed  in  fine  linen,  clean  and 
white  :  for  the  fine  linen  is  the  righteousness  of  the  saints."  —  Rev.  xix.  8. 

GOD  the  Father  in  Jesus  the  Saviour  is  the  husband  of  the 
church;  hence  she  is  called  the  Lamb's  Wife:  Eev.  xxi.  9. 
''And  to  her  was  granted  thcU  she  should  be  arrayed ;  for  strange 
as  it  may  appear,  it  is  true,  when  He  first  set  his  love  upon  her 
she  was  quite  naked,  and  so  wretched,  miserable,  and  poor,  that 
she  had  not  wherewith  to  cover  her  shame  :  Eev.  iii.  17,  18 ;  and 
withal  was  so  diseased  and  bruised,  that  she  had  not  a  sound  part 
belonging  to  her :  Isa.  i.  5,  6 ;  and  to  add  to  her  wretchedness, 
was  quite  blind :  Eph.  iv.  18.  Such  was  her  sad  condition  when 
the  Lord  took  her  into  his  favor,  and  gave  her  in  marriage  to  his 
Son.  He  found  her  next  door  to  death,  buried  in  filth,  and  unable 
to  better  herself.  He  first  gave  her  eyes  to  see  her  own  naked- 
ness and  danger,  which  not  only  humbled  her  pride,  (for  still  she 
was  proud,)  but  made  her  so  ashamed  of  herself,  that  she  was 
ready  to  faint ;  and  would  certainly  have  died  in  despair,  had  not 
the  Lord  told  her  to  look  unto  him :  Isa.  xlv.  22 ;  and  assured 
her  that  he  was  married  unto  her  :  Isa.  liv.  4,  5;  Jer.  iii.  14.  And 
to  show  himself  a  true-lover,  he  restored  her  to  health  and 
soundness;  and  arrayed  her  in  j^ne  linen,  clean  and  white. 
Her  wounds  being  healed — her  sickness  cured  —  and  being  so 
finely  clothed,  she  now  looks  fair  as  the  moon,  and  is  counted 
worthy  to  walk  with  her  Lord :  Rev.  iii.  4.  "  The  fine  linen  is  the 
righteous7iess  of  the  saints/^  which  He  has  wrought  in  them  by  his 
grace  and  Spirit ;  and  which  shows  itself  in  a  righteous  and  holy 
life ;  Titus  ii.  12.  Thus  he  adorns  and  decks  his  bride  here  with 
the  ornaments  of  grace;  and  will  crown  her  with  glory  when  he 
takes  her  home :  Eph.  v.  27 ;  Col.  i.  21,  22. 

^^Thy  people  also  shall  be  all  righteous  ;  they  shall  inherit  the 
land  forever,  the  branch  of  my  planting,  the  work  of  my  hands, 
that  I  may  be  glorified : "  Isa.  Ix.  21.  "  As  the  earth  bringeth 
forth  her  bud,  and  as  the  garden  causeth  the  things  that  are  sown 
in  it  to  spring  forth ;  so  the  Lord  God  will  cause  righteousness 
and  praise  to  spring  forth  before  all  the  nations  :  "  Isa.  Ixi.  11. 


292 


OF  PEACE,  LOVE,  AKD  UKITY. 


"  They  shall  beat  their  swords  into  plough-shares,  and  their  spears  into 
pruning-hooks ;  nation  shall  not  lift  up  sword  against  nation,  neither  shall 
they  learn  war  any  more. — Isa.  ii.  4. 

'THHIS  is  fulfilled  in  the  surprising  effect  of  the  gospel,  upon 


JL  the  minds  of  those  that  heartily  embrace  it ;  it  so  changes 
their  dispositions,  that  they  can  no  longer  play  off  the  madman's 
part,  by  scattering  around  them  firebrands,  arrows  and  death  : 
Prov.  xxvi.  18.  Observe, 

1st.  77iey  sha  l  beat  their  swords,^'  their  instruments  of  death, 
into  implements  of  husbandry  :  so  that,  instead  of  being  employed 
to  cut  down  men  and  take  away  life,  they  shall  be  employed  to 
cut  up  the  ground  to  procure  the  staff  of  life/'  And  in  propor- 
tion as  Christianity  prevails,  this  must  be  the  case.  For  the 
faithful  subjects  of  the  Pri^sTCE  of  Peace  can  find  no  more  use 
for  swords, ^spears,  pistols,  dirks,  and  bowie-knives,  than  did  their 
great  exemplar  ;  for  Christ's  kingdom  is  a  peaceful  one,  and  he 
himself  is  its  king  :  Isa.  ix.  6.  But  where  men  are  governed  by 
their  lusts,  and  do  not  submit  to  the  government  of  Christ,  the 
opposite  maybe  expected  :  Joel  iii.  10.  Pruning-hooks  "look 
much  better  in  the  hands  of  Christians  than  ^"'spears  and  are 
more  beneficial  to  themselves  and  their  fellow-men. 

2d.  Nation  shall  not  lift  up  sivord  against  nation'^  when  the 
Gospel  of  Christ  prevails  through  the  nations  :  for  the  very  design 
of  the  Gospel  is,  to  destroy  all  enmity  and  make  peace  :  Eph.  ii. 
13-16.  And  all  over  whom  it  prevails  are  disposed  to  be  peace- 
able, and  love  even  their  greatest  enemies  :  Matt.  v.  44  ;  while 
they  are  united  in  love  the  one  to  the  other  :  John  xiii.  35. 

3d.  Neither  shall  they  learn  ivar  any  more  for  the  gospel- 
method,  is,  not  force  of  arms  to  drive  men,  but  love  and  prayers 
to  persuade  them  :  2  Cor.  v.  20.  And  when  all  are  thus  per- 
suaded to  obey  the  gospel  of  Christ,  there  will  be  no  disposition 
left  to  war  any  more.  Neither  will  they  learn  the  art  of  killing 
men  in  cold  blood — unprovoked  ;  nor  consider  that  man  the  most 
honorable  who  has  swam  the  farthest  through  blood  and  tears. 
When  the  happy  period  will  arrive  that  all  men  will  be  united  in 
peace  and  love,  we  cannot  tell  ;  but  the  word  of  inspiration 
assures  us  that  it  will  come.  Let  all  live  in  peace  who  loye 
C5hrisi 


They  shall  beat  their  swords  into  plouehshares."— Page  292. 


OF  PEACE,  LOVE,  AND  UNITY. 


293 


"  That  ihey  all  may  be  one ;  as  thou,  Father,  art  in  me,  and  I  in  thee,  that 
they  also  may  be  one  in  us ;  that  the  world  may  believe  that  thou  hast  sent 
me,  " — John  xvii.  21. 

Qj  UCH  was  the  prayer  of  Jesus  for  his  disciples  when  about  to 


kZ/  leave  them.  They  had  long  been  his  attendants  and  com- 
panions ;  and  had  been  witnesses  of  his  love,  piety,  zeal,  benevo- 
lence, and  many  mighty  works.  The  time  of  his  departure  was  at 
hand,  and  ere  he  leaves  them  he  prays, 

1st.  "  That  all  may  he  one."  For  what  he  dearly  paid,  he  fer- 
vently prayed ;  nor  did  he  pray  in  vain  ;  for  the  primitive  Chris- 
tians realized  that  peace,  love,  and  unity,  for  which  he  prayed : 
Acts  iv.  32.  And  if  believers  in  Jesus,  in  our  day,  did  but  attend 
to  the  same  trutli  and  example  that  they  did,  they  would  possess 
the  same  spirit.  As  Christ  is  one  in  and  with  his  Father,  so  he 
prays  that  all  his  members  may  be  joined  in  one  body  to  himself, 
as  their  head  :  Eph.  i.  22,  23.  "  That  they  also  may  be  one  in  us^'^ 
as  the  branch  is  one  in  the  vine ;  partaking  of  the  same  nature 
and  influence  :  John  xv.  1-14  Being  animated  by  the  same 
Spirit,  all  who  are  joined  to  the  Lord  become  one  spirit :  1  Cor. 
vi.  17.  There  are  many  little  things  in  which  we  must,  as  fallible 
creatures,  necessarily  differ;  but,  though  we  cannot  all  think 
alike  as  men,  we  should  all  love  alike  as  Christians :  Phil.  ii.  5. 
All  are  agreed  that  sin  is  the  greatest  evil;  and  holiness  the 
greatest  good ;  and  if  all  would  take  the  wokd  of  God  for  their 
ONLY  RULE  OF  FAITH  AND  PRACTICE,"  the  differences  among 
Christians  would  be  few  and  unimportant ;  and  then  would  that 
be  accomplished  for  which  the  Saviour  prayed,  "that  the  ivorld 
may  believe  that  thou  hast  sent  meJ^  If  we  would  wish  for  "the 
world  to  believe  "  that  Christianity  is  Divine  in  its  origin,  let  us 
live  like  Christians  !  Acts  iv.  13. 

2d.  That  the  world  might  be  constrained  to  believe  that  Christ 
was  the  sent  of  God,  and  his  ministers  and  members  ''one  icith 
him.^^  But  while,  instead  of  peace,  they  behold  war ;  and  in  the 
place  of  LOVE,  bitterness;  and  in  lieu  of  unity,  discord;  what 
can  they  think  of  Christianity  !  Others  have  as  good  a  right  to 
differ  from  us  in  matters  of  opinion,  as  we  have  to  differ  from 


them. 


294 


OF  THE  SECURITY  OF  THE  CHURCH. 


I  the  Lord  do  keep  it;  I  will  water  it  every  moment;  lest  any  hurt  it,  ;  wih 
keep  it  night  and  day.  "  —  Isa.  xxvii.  3. 

THE  church  is  a  vineyard,  of  which  God  is  the  proprietor.  He 
first  planted  tlie  Jews  there,  as  his  choice  vine  5  and  gave 
them  his  tabernacle  or  temple  as  their  wine-press  ;  and  his  oracles, 
ordinances,  and  blessings.  This  vineyard  he  let  out  to  their 
keepers,  and,  after  sending  the  prophets,  sent  his  Son  to  demand 
suitable  fruits ;  but  these  being  abused  he  gave  their  church-state 
to  the  Gentiles ;  and  calls  and  qualifies  men  to  labor  in  it :  Isa.  v. 
1-7 ;  Matt.  xxi.  33-41.  The  church  of  the  Lord  is  not  now  made 
up  of  any  particular  sect.  "  For  there  is  no  difference  between 
the  Jew  and  the  Greek ;  for  the  same  Lord  over  all,  is  rich  unto 
all  that  call  upon  him  :  Eom.  x.  12.  Although  God's  vineyard, 
in  this  world,  stands  in  a  vast  common,  it  is  well  fenced  in  and 
under  his  immediate  care.    Listen  to  him  : 

1st.  "I  the  Lord  do  keep  itJ^  All  we  need,  or  can  desire,  we 
have  in  God ;  and  though  his  church  is  surrounded  with  enemies, 
her  members  have  nothing  to  fear  from  them,  while  under  the 
protection  of  the  Lord,  whose  goodness  is  his  glory  :  Isa.  xxxiii. 
20-22.  The  Lord  not  only  speaks  comfortably  concerning  Jiis 
vineyard,  but  acts  graciously  toward  it ;  I  will  water  it  every 
moment.^^  He  will  not  flood  it,  but  water  it  with  the  dews  of  his 
grace ;  yea,  he  himself  will  be  as  the  dew  unto  it :  Hos.  xiv.  5. 
He  will  cause  his  doctrines  to  drop  upon  it,  as  the  dew  upon  the 
grass  :  Deut.  xxxii.  2.  He  will  so  refresh  and  comfort  it,  that  it 
shall  be  like  a  well-watered  garden :  Isa.  Iviii.  11.  He  will,  not 
only  water  it  on  extraordinary  occasions,  but  every  moment;  for 
was  he  to  withhold  his  waterings  but  for  one  moment,  we  should 
all  wither  and  die.  In  vain  do  the  enemies  of  his  church  strive 
to  injure  it :  Jer.  xxiii.  6.  ''Lest  any  should  hurt  it,  I  will  keep  it 
night  and  day.^^  There  are  many  who  would  hurt  it;  but  lest 
any  should  do  so.  He  says, 

2d.  "I  will  keep  it^  And  who  can  doubt  of  its  being  well 
kept,  while  He  keeps  it  ?  Zech.  ii.  8.  He  engages  to  keep  it 
continually,  "  night  and  day ; ''  and  we  are  assured  that  He  is  well 
qualified  so  to  do  :  Ps.  cxxi.  3,  4.  Whoever  put  themselves  under 
the  Lord's  protection  may  always  fetch  in  help  from  him^  by  faith 
ill  hiiru 


OF  THE  SECUBITY  OF  THE  CHURCH. 


295 


"Upon  this  rock  I  will  build  my  church  ;  and  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  pre- 
vail  against  it. ' '  —  Matt.  xvi.  18. 

JESUS  CHEIST  is  the  rock  on  which  his  church  and  people 
are  built ;  he  alone  bears  their  whole  weighty  and  all  their 
concerns  :  Isa.  ix.  6.  The  Eedeenier  calls  himself  the  Son  of  man; 
but  Peter  calls  him  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  the  living  God.'' 
This  the  Saviour  acknowledges,  and  immediately  adds,  Upon 
this  rock,''  which  thou  hast  now  confessed  to  be  the  Son  of  the 
living  God,  I  idll  build  my  church :  "  Eph.  ii.  20.  Christ  does 
not  say  to  Peter,  thy  church,  but  my  church : ''  Acts  xx.  28.  The 
materials  of  which  Christ's  church  is  built,  are  chosen  out  of  the 
world  for  that  purpose :  John  xv.  19.  And  though  He  employs 
many  hands  in  carrying  on  the  building.  He  himself  is  the  great 
Master-builder ;  hence  he  says,  "  I  will  build  it : "  Zech.  vi.  12, 
13.  The  world  and  all  that  is  therein  belongs  to  God  :  Ps.  xxiv. 
1.  But  before  Christ  began  the  building  of  his  church,  he  cove- 
nanted with  his  Father  for  the  materials ;  and  in  due  time  paid 
down  the  full  price :  1  Pet.  i.  18,  19.  The  foundation-stone  is 
laid  "  upon  this  rock  :  "  Isa.  xxviii.  16 ;  and  the  building  is  grad- 
ually rising ;  built  all  of  lively  stones  :  1  Pet.  ii.  5.  Peter  had 
the  honor  of  laying  the  first  stones,  in  the  Jewish  converts :  Acts 
ii.  37 -47 ;  and  also  the  first  in  the  Gentile  converts  :  Acts  x.  45- 
48.  But  he  never  attempted  to  lay  one  stone  upon  himself,  but 
upon  "this  rocJt/'  Christ:  Acts  iv.  10-12.  Many  storms  have 
arisen  and  beat  upon  this  building ;  but  it  fell  not,  because  it  was 
built  upon  ^^this  rock:"  Matt.  vii.  25.  But  had  it  been  built 
upon  poor  Peter,  a  servant-maid  might  have  knocked  it  downi 
Matt.  xxvi.  69-75.  Men  and  devils  have  been  constantly  en- 
deavoring to  throw  it  down,  but  all  their  efforts  have  been  iu 
vain ;  for  "  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against  it^  Hell  may 
vent  her  rage,  and  men  their  malice,  and  do  all  they  can  to  oppose 
^Hhis  rock  "  of  truth  on  which  the  church  rests,  but  it  can  never 
be  overcome.  Formalists  may  use  all  their  craft  and  cruelty  in 
opposing  the  gospel,  but  still  it  must  prevail;  while  the  com- 
bined efforts  of  hell  and  earth,  "  shall  not  prevail  against  it ;  " 
for  while  Christ  lives  his  church  is  safe  :  John  xiv.  19, 


296 


OF  THE  PEACE  OF  THE  CHURCH. 


"In  his  days  Judah  shall  be  saved,  and  Israel  shall  dwell  safely." — Jer. 
xxiii.  6. 

HOW  comforting  is  this  reflection !  God  has  ever  had  a  peo- 
ple upon  the  earth ;  though  many  times  they  have  narrowly 
escaped  destruction:  Ps.  cxxiv.  "In  his  days;^^  in  the  days  of 
the  Messiah,  the  Prince  of  Peace :  Isa.  ix.  6 ;  when  Christ,  the 
Branch,  shall  make  his  appearance  :  Zech.  iii.  8  ;  whatever  might 
be  their  present  condition,  "  Judah  shall  be  saved,  and  Israel  shall 
dwell  safely  Ps.  cii.  13,  14.  The  spiritual  seed  of  faithful 
Abraham,  and  wrestling,  praying  Israel,  shall  be  preserved  from 
the  curse  of  the  law :  Gal.  iii.  13 ;  and  the  power  of  Satan  :  Eom. 
xvi.  20.  And  being  freed  from  sin,  Eom.  vi.  22,  they  are  Israel- 
ites indeed :  John  i.  47.  Like  ancient  Israel,  they  are  chosen  of 
God :  1  Pet.  ii.  9  5  and  are  a  peculiar  people  ;  whom,  in  the  midst 
of  all  dangers  and  calamities,  he  wonderfully  preserves  ;  and  for 
whom  he  so  bountifully  provides :  Rom.  ii.  29.  His  law  being 
written  in  their  hearts,  they  live  in  obedience  to  all  his  com- 
mands, and  consequently  "  dwell  safely : Ps.  cxix.  11.  Where 
Christ  keeps  the  heart,  the  soul  dwells  in  peace:  Eom.  ii.  10,  11. 
The  church,  while  in  her  wilderness  state,  in  the  time  of  a  calm, 
should  prepare  for  a  storm.  She  may  sometimes  be  used  roughly, 
but  she  always  dwells  safely ;  neither  can  any  wars  without,  rob 
her  of  her  peace  within.  And  though  she  has  many  afflictions, 
she  has  many  consolations :  2  Cor.  i.  5.  Should  earthly  comforts 
be  taken  away,  the  comforts  of  the  Holy  Spirit  are  given ;  so  that, 
while  her  members  are  faithful,  they  have  good  cause  to  be  cheer- 
ful: 2  Cor.  i.  7. 

Believers  live  under  the  peaceful  reign  of  the  Prince  of  peace : 
they  love  his  laws  and  take  great  pleasure  in  their  peaceful  em- 
ployment :  Isa.  xxxii.  17.  They  have  abundant  satisfaction  in 
doing  their  duty ;  and  great  pleasure  in  reflecting  upon  it  when 
done.  Their  love  to  the  word  of  God  enables  them  to  hold  fast 
their  integrity  and  preserve  their  tranquillity :  Ps.  cxix.  165. 
They  quarrel  with  nothing  that  God  does  :  if  they  have  but  little 
of  this  world's  good  they  are  thankful ;  and  that  makes  them 
peaceful :  it  is  never  so  bad  with  them  but  they  will  acknowl 
edge,  that  it  might  have  been  worse. 


OF  THE  PEACE  OP  THE  CHtTRCH. 


297 


*'The  God  of  peace  shall  bruise  Satan  under  your  feet  shortly."  —  Rom. 
xvi.  20. 

I NOW,  believer,  that  this  world  is  not  thy  rest;  thou  art  a 


JlX-  soldier  of  Christ ;  and  as  such  thou  art  called  upon  to  fight 
the  good  fight :  1  Tim.  vi.  12.  When  thou  wast  at  peace  with 
Satan,  the  strong-man,  he  kept  thee  in  quiet  possession  ;  but  now 
he  is  cast  out,  he  besieges  and  attacks  thee  upon  every  quarter  : 
Luke  xi.  21,  22.  Thy  present  state  exposes  thee  to  the  combined 
powers  of  the  world,  with  all  its  pomps  and  vanities ;  its  children, 
with  all  their  smiles  and  frowns,  their  promises  and  threats  : 
these,  animated  by  "  the  god  of  this  world,''  are  at  war  with  thee ; 
because  thou  art  not  of  this  world :  John  xv.  19.  But  let  not 
this  destroy,  or  even  mar  thy  peace. 

The  Lord  of  Hosts,  who  is  mighty  in  battle,  is  the  God  of 
Peace : ''  Ps.  xxiv.  8 ;  and  you,  being  at  peace  with  him,  have 
nothing  to  fear,  but  everything  to  hope  from  him  :  Eom.  v.  1 ; 
viii.  1.  He  has  not  only  spoken  peace  to  you,  but  continues  to 
work  peace  in  you ;  and  will  take  good  care  to  secure  the  peace 
of  his  church :  Isa.  liv.  14,  15.  The  God  of  peace,^^  who,  in  the 
^^seed  of  the  woman,''  bruised  the  serpent's  head,  ''shall  bndse 
Satan  under  your  feet^  Satan,  the  great  adversary  of  the  church, 
the  author  and  founder  of  all  false  doctrines,  is  ever  designing  to 
destroy  the  purity  of  its  members,  that  he  may  thereby  dejDrive 
them  of  their  peace,  here  and  hereafter  :  1  Pet.  v.  8.  But  he  shall 
finally  be  conquered  by  the  "  God  of  peace,"  and  every  member 
brought  off  more  than  conqueror  :  Rom.  viii.  37.  "  The  God  of 
peace  "  is  opposed  to  all  that  opposes  and  disturbs  the  peace  of 
his  church  :  and  will  assuredly  give  them  a  complete  victory  over 
their  great  adversary ;  yea,  and  bring  his  neck  under  their  feet. 
God  in  Christ  is  their  Joshua,  and  will  lead  them  on  to  certain 
victory ;  and  after  he  has  conquered  for  them,  will  call  them  to 
tread  on  the  neck  of  Satan,  and  triumph  over  every  enemy :  J oshua 
x.  24,  25.  Surely  this  ought  to  animate  and  encourage  every  sol- 
dier of  the  Cross  to  fight  valiantly,  while  the  war  continues.  Be 
of  good  courage ;  the  war  will  soon  be  over ;  victory  is  sure,  and 
will  be  gained  "  shortly. It  is  true,  we  know  not  the  exact  time 
when ;  but  it  is  enough  for  us  to  know  that  it  will  come  shortly. 


298 


OF  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  ANTICHRIST. 


*'  Whose  kingdom  is  an  eyer/asting'*kingcfom,  and  all  dominions  shall  servt 
2nd  obey  him. ' '  —  Dan.  vii.  27. 

SAINT  JOHN  declares;  that  "  he  is  antichrist,  that  denies  the 
Father  and  the  Son  3  "  and,  that  "  whosoever  denieth  the  Son, 
the  same  hath  not  the  Father  :  1  John  ii.  22,  23.  The  reason  is 
obvious  ;  for  both  the  Father  and  the  Son  are  one  :  and  no  man 
who  denies  the  one  can  possess  the  other :  John  x.  30 ;  xiv.  9. 
The  same  Apostle  declares,  "The  Word  was  God  —  and  the  Word 
was  made  flesh,  and  dwelt  among  us  :  John  i.  1,  2,  14.  The 
Apostle  Paul  bears  testimony  to  the  same ;  and  declares,  that 
God  was  IN  Christ,  reconciling  the  world  unto  himself : 2  Cor. 
V.  19.  Father  and  Son  are  relative  terms,  Producer  and  Produced. 
The  divine  nature  produced  the  human  nature ;  that  is,  assumed 
a  body  like  ours,  but  without  sin  ;  that  in  the  offending  nature 
he  might  suffer  in  the  room  and  stead  of  guilty  man ;  and  thereby 
"reconcile  the  world  unto  himself."  But  it  should  ever  be 
remembered,  that  the  characters  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost, 
are  but  various  exhibitions  of  the  same  one  eternal  God,  and 
designed  merely  as  an  accommodation  to  our  limited  understand- 
ing.   Hear  what  is  said  of  Christ. 

1st.  ''Whose  kingdom  is  an  everlasting  Jcingdom;^^  all  other 
"  kings  shall  shut  their  mouths  at  him  ; "  for  He  must  reign  when 
all  things  shall  have  been  put  under  him  :  Isa.  lii.  15.  Jesus,  the 
great  Head  of  the  church,  will  shortly  render  the  Beast  and  all 
the  leaders  of  his  army,  incapable  of  molesting  her  any  more : 
Eev.  xix.  20,  21.  His  reign  will  be,  not  only  everlasting,  but 
universal.  For, 

2d.  "  All  dominions  shall  serve  and  obey  him  J'  And  the  saint  3 
of  the  Most  High  shall  take  and  possess  the  kingdom :  Dan.  vii. 
18.  The  Eedeemer's  kingdom  shall  be  established ;  every  enemy 
that  is  not  subdued  shall  be  destroyed.  Every  opposition  must 
be  overcome.  "  At  ^the  name  of  Jesus  every  knee  shall  bow,  of 
things  in  heaven,  and  things  in  earth,  and  things  under  the  earth ; 
and  every  tongue  shall  confess  that  Jesus  Christ  is  Lord,  to  the 
glory  of  God  the  Father:"  Phil.  ii.  10,  11.  Let  this  considera- 
tion encourage  the  hearts  of  all  the  faithful  subjects  of  the 
Redeemer's  kingdom. 


OF  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  ANTICHRIST.  299 


"And  the  beast  was  taken,  and  with  him  the  false  prophet  that  wrought 
miracles  before  him,  with  which  he  had  deceived  them  that  had  received  the 
mark  of  the  beast,  and  them  that  worshipped  his  image ;  these  both  were  cast 
alive  into  a  lake  of  fire  burning  with  brimstone. ' '  —  Rev.  xix.  20. 

AT  a  very  early  period  of  the  Christian  Church  antichrist 
made  his  appearance ;  and  many  "  false  prophets  came  in 
the  name  of  Christy  who  possessed  the  spirit  of  antichrist:  1 
John  ii.  22,  23  ;  iv.  1-3.  But  all  faithful  and  spiritual  Christians 
obtain  a  complete  victory  over  antichrist  and  his  false  prophets  : 
1  John  iv.  4.  Christ  foretold  that  antichrist  and  his  teachers 
would  come  in  sheep's  clothing,  and  so  transform  themselves, 
that,  were  it  possible,  they  would  deceive  the  very  elect :  Matt, 
xxiv.  6,  24.  All  such  hold  a  false  Christ  as  the  head,  a  false 
church  as  the  body,  and  accompany  these  with  false  works,  false 
worship,  and  false  ordinances.  And  so  artfully  do  they  make 
them  to  resemble  the  true  ones,  that  many  of  the  simple  are 
deceived  by  them;  and  receive  "the  mark  of  the  beast/^  by  which 
they  are  known  to  be  his  worshippers :  Eom.  xvi.  17,  18.  For 
though  they  do  not  literally  bow  down  to  the  beast,  they  actually 
"worship  his  imagey  The  battle,  at  the  present  time,  rages  with 
great  fury ;  but  the  victory  will  assuredly  be  gained  by  Christ, 
the  glorious  head  of  the  church;  for  "the  beast  tvas  taken,  and 
with  him  the  false  prophetJ^  The  work  is  already  done,  virtually, 
and  shall  actually  be  accomplished ;  and  "  these  both,^  the  beast 
and  his  prophet,  will  be  "cast  alive  into  a  lake  of  fire  burning  icith 
brimstone.''^  Antichrist  and  his  false  prophets  can  never  prevail 
against  the  truly  faithful,  because  they  are  of  God  :  1  John  iv.  6. 
They  are  born  again ;  but  not  of  corruptible  seed :  1  Pet.  i.  23 ; 
and  for  that  reason  cannot  be  overcome ;  in  as  much  as  they  are 
"  kept  by  the  power  of  God,  through  faith  :  "  1  Pet.  i.  5.  Think 
not,  believer,  because  some  rebel  lust,  some  sinful  passion,  or 
some  fiery  dart  of  the  enemy,  makes  an  attack  upon  thee,  that  the 
God  of  peace  is  at  war  with  thee.  No ;  let  such  a  thought  find 
no  lodging-place  in  thy  breast;  for  God  is  ever  at  peace  with 
thee,  and  will  shortly  destroy  all  His  and  thy  enemies.  All  who 
possess  the  spirit  of  Christ,  are  followers  of  Christ  here,  and  will 
reign  with  him  hereafter :  Eev.  iii.  21. 


300       OF  THE  ENDLESS  DURATION  OF  THE  CHURCH. 


*'  His  dominion  is  an  everlasting  dominion,  which  shall  not  pass  away,  and 
his  kingdom  that  which  shall  not  be  destroyed,  "  —  Dan.  vii.  14. 

THE  Messiah  is  uniformly  represented  as  sustaining  every 
character,  accomplishing  every  design,  and  possessing  every 
necessary  qualification  to  redeem  and  save  mankind.  He  is  a 
Saviour  adapted  to  all  our  diversified  necessities,  and  able  to  save 
to  the  uttermost.  His  manhood  was  similar  to  that  original 
humanity  of  the  first  happy  pair,  being  holy,  harmless,  and  un- 
defiled,  without  one  sin  of  his  own :  1  Pet.  ii.  22.  He  is  infinite 
in  wisdom,  power,  righteousness,  and  goodness.  He  is,  not  only 
a  Prophet  to  instruct,  a  Priest  to  atone,  but  also  a  King  to  rule 
over  his  people.  And, 

"His  dominion  is  an  everlasting  dominion;  "  the  kingdom  which 
He  established  in  the  work  of  redemption,  is  designed  to  destroy 
all  sin ;  that  "  grace  might  reign  through  righteousness  unto 
eternal  life  :  "  Eom.  v.  21.  ^^His  dominion  is  an  eternal  empire 
of  grace,  producing  righteousness,  peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy 
Ghost :  Eom.  xiv.  17.  "  And  his  kingdom  that  which  shall  not  be 
destroyed^  His  kingdom  of  grace  here,  prepares  for,  and  leads 
to,  his  kingdom  of  glory  hereafter.  Christ  has  gone  to  prepare 
a  place  for  each  and  all  of  his  subjects,  and  now  waits  to  receive 
and  welcome  them  into  his  everlasting  kingdom ;  that  they  might 
dwell  in  his  immediate  presence,  and  reign  with  him  forever: 
Matt.  XXV.  34;  2  Pet.  i.  11.  All  other  kings  are  mortal,  and 
therefore  die,  and  leave  their  dominions  to  their  successors.  All 
earthly  kingdoms  rise  and  fall ;  and  will  ultimately  crumble  into 
ruins  ;  but  ^^His  kingdom  shall  not  he  destroyed.''^  For  he  is  the 
King  eternal,  and  immortal;  ^^and  the  kingdom  shall  not  be  left 
to  other  people,  but  it  shall  break  in  pieces  and  consume  all  these 
kingdoms,  and  it  shall  stand  forever :  ^'  Dan.  ii.  44. 

Observe,  1st.  The  kingdom  of  Christ  is  founded  on  the  prin- 
ciples of  reason,  justice,  and  mercy;  and  therefore  all  ought 
cheerfully  to  bow  to  his  sceptre :  Ps.  ii.  12.  2d.  His  dominion  is 
imperishable ;  and  can  never  be  taken,  or  demolished  by  invaders. 
All  the  plans  he  adopts,  and  the  means  he  employs,  are  devised 
by  infinite  wisdom,  and  accompanied  by  omnipotent  power :  and 
"  the  words  of  the  Lord  are  pure : Ps.  xii.  6. 


OF  THE  ENDLESS  DURATION  OF  THE  CHUKCH.  301 


' '  The  kingdoms  of  this  world  are  become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord,  and  of 
his  Christ ;  and  he  shall  reign  forever  and  ever,  "  —  Rev.  xi.  15. 

FEW  human  governors  possess  all  the  qualifications  requisite 
to  form  a  perfect  ruler ;  and  fewer  still  possess  them  in  that 
state  of  perfection  their  friends  desire.  But  the  King  of  Zion 
knows  no  lack.  Is  it  desirable  that  a  ruler  should  be  loise  9  In 
King  Jesus  "are  hid  all  the  treasures  of  wisdom  and  knowl* 
edge:'^  Col.  ii.  3.  Should  he  be  good  f  The  life  and  death  of  the 
Redeemer  bespeak  his  goodness :  Acts  x.  38 ;  J ohn  x.  11.  Should 
be  powerful  ?  Our  Mediatorial  King  has  all  power :  Matt, 
xxviii.  18.  He  has  all  the  stores  of  nature  and  grace  at  his  com- 
mand. Observe, 

1st.  "  The  Mngdoms  of  this  world  are  become  the  kingdoms  of 
our  Lord  and  of  his  Christ.'^^  They  were  always  so  by  creation 
and  redemption ;  but  the  heavenly  host  shall,  ere  long,  acknowl- 
edge them  his  by  actual  possession.  They  now  give  him  thanks 
because  he  has  taken  to  him  his  great  power,  and  has  commenced 
the  work  of  subduing  all  things  to  himself ;  and  rejoice  that  his 
reign  shall  never  come  to  an  end.  "  He  shall  reign  forever  and 
ever;  "  not  only  to  the  end  of  time,  but  when  time  and  days  shall 
be  no  more.  The  kingdom  of  Christ  shall  out-vear,  and  out-live, 
all  other  kingdoms  :  His  throne  shall  stand  forever,  and  his  sub- 
jects be  as  the  stars  of  heaven,  innumerable  and  immutable. 

2d.  Christ  has  done  a  great  work  for  us;  and,  if  we  are  Chris- 
tians, has  wrought  a  great  work  in  us.  He  intends  making  all 
his  subjects  kings  ;  all  the  members  of  his  church  are  kings  in 
life,  and  actually  reign  over  all  that  is  earthly,  sensual,  and  devil- 
ish. You  may  have  sin  in  you,  mourn  over  it,  and  groan  under 
it ;  but  "  sin  shall  not  have  dominion  over  you ;  for  ye  are  not 
under  the  law  but  under  grace : "  Eom.  vi.  14.  And  grace  is 
glory  begun ;  but  glory  is  grace  made  perfect.  How  amiable ! 
how  lovely,  will  the  church  appear,  when  all  meet  in  the  presence 
of  her  Sovereign  Lord,  the  King !  She  will  then  appear  as  the 
Daughter  of  the  King  —  the  bride  ;  all  glorious  within,  and  richly 
adorned  without  —  all  comely  to  behold,  and  clad  in  royal  robes 
of  perfect  righteousness :  Eev,  i.  6,  6.  Her  happiness  will  be 
complete  and  endless :  1  John  iii.  2. 


302  OF  THE  BESTOKATION  OF  THE  JEWS. 


"/  will  set  up  one  shepherd  over  them,  and  he  shall  feed  them,  even  my 
servant  David;  he  shall  feed  them,  and  shall  be  their  shepherd."  —  Ezek. 
xxxiv.  23. 

HERE  we  have  the  Messiah  foretold  as  having  his  commission 
from  God.  "  I  will  set  up,'^  sanctify,  seal,  appoint,  and 
anoint,  "  one  ShepJierd  over  them : "  Luke  iv.  18.  By  him,  J ews 
and  Gentiles  shall  be  brought  into  one  fold,  and  "  he  shall  feed 
them :  Ezek.  xxxvii.  25.  Christ,  the  great  Shepherd  of  his  flock, 
is  qualified  to  do  that  for  them  which  none  else  could  :  Isa.  xl. 
11.  "  Even  my  servant  David.^^  Jesus  Christ  is  God's  servant; 
being  employed  by  him  and  for  him;  and  in  all  things  acting 
according  to  his  will :  John  vi.  38,  39.  He  is  both  the  root  and 
offspring  of  David :  Rev.  xxii.  16.  As  a  Shepherd,  he  takes  great 
care  of  his  flock :  John  x.  27,  28.  He  feeds  them  on  his  word, 
and  in  the  fruitful  fields  of  his  ordinances  ;  and  has  appointed  his 
ministers,  as  under-shepherds,  to  watch  over  and  pay  all  neces- 
sary attention  to  them:  John  xxi.  16,  17.  God  will  not  forget 
his  scattered  people ;  and  by  rolling  away  their  reproach,  will 
make  them  to  become  as  honorable  as  ever  they  have  been  despi- 
cable :  Zeph.  iii.  19,  20.  The  Lord  will  not  fail  to  do  his  own 
work  in  his  own  time. 

"Go  and  proclaim  these  words  toward  the  north,  and  say, 
Return,  thou  backsliding  Israel,  saith  the  Lord,  and  I  will  not 
cause  mine  anger  to  fall  upon  you :  for  I  am  merciful,  saith  the 
Lord,  and  I  will  not  keep  anger  forever.  Only  acknowledge  thine 
iniquity,  that  thou  hast  transgressed  against  the  Lord  thy  God, 
and  hast  scattered  thy  ways  to  the  strangers  under  every  green 
tree,  and  ye  have  not  obeyed  my  voice,  saith  the  Lord.  Turn,  0 
backsliding  children,  saith  the  Lord,  for  I  am  married  unto  you : 
Jer.  iii.  12-14.  "  For  the  Lord,  the  God  of  Israel,  saith  that  he 
hateth  putting  away :  Mai.  ii.  16.  "  Jerusalem  shall  be  trodden 
down  of  the  Gentiles  until  the  time  of  the  Gentiles  be  fulfilled : 
Luke  xxi.  24.  "  God  hath  not  cast  away  his  people  which  he 
foreknew : Rom.  xi.  2.  "  If  the  fall  of  them  be  the  riches  of 
the  world,  and  the  diminishing  of  them  be  the  riches  of  the  Gen- 
tiles, how  much  more  their  fulness  ?  ver.  12.  He  who  scattered 
them  abroad,  knows  how  to  collect  them  together. 


OF  THE  EBSTORATION  OF  THE  JEWS. 


303 


God  hath  not  cast  away  his  people  which  he  foreknew.  "  —  Rom.  xi.  2. 

OD  chose  Israel^  as  a  body,  above  all  people  in  the  world,  to 
^^J^  be  a  peculiar  people  to  himself ;  they  had  special  privileges, 
were  carefully  preserved,  and  highly  regarded ;  Exod.  xix.  5,  6. 
Christ  first  visited  them  in  person ;  but  though  he  looked  upon 
them  in  their  low  estate,  they  would  not  receive  him  in  his  :  John 
i.  11.  They  chose  rather  to  let  Christ  go,  than  part  with  their 
prejudices  and  their  sins :  John  iii.  19.  The  main  body  of  the 
Jewish  nation  obstinately  persevered  in  their  sins,  and  perished 
in  unbelief ;  but  this  was  not  the  case  with  all :  John  i.  12. 
Their  rejection  cannot  be  total  and  final ;  no,  the  apostle  startles 
at  the  thought,  and  exclaims  God  forbid !  ver.  1.  "  God  hath 
not,  utterly,  cast  away  his  peopled  For  the  Scriptures  assure  us, 
they  will  be  brought  to  believe  in  their  Redeemer  whom  they 
crucified.    What  saith  the  Scriptures  ? 

^^A  voice  was  heard  upon  the  high  places,  weeping  and  suppli^ 
cations  of  the  children  of  Israel ;  for  they  have  perverted  theii^ 
way,  and  they  have  forgotten  the  Lord  their  God.  Eeturn,  ye 
backsliding  children,  and  I  will  heal  your  backslidings.  Behold, 
we  come  unto  thee ;  for  thou  art  the  Lord  our  God.  Truly,  in 
vain  is  salvation  iioped  for  from  the  hills,  and  from  the  multitude 
of  mountains ;  truly  in  the  Lord  our  God  is  the  salvation  of 
Israel :  Jer.  iii.  21-23.  They  shall  serve  the  Lord  their  God,  in 
David  (Jesus  Christ)  their  king,  whom  I  will  raise  up  unto  them. 
Therefore,  fear  thou  not,  0  my  servant  Jacob,  saith  the  Lord; 
neither  be  dismayed,  0  Israel ;  for,  lo,  I  will  save  thee  from  afar, 
and  thy  seed  from  the  land  of  their  captivity ;  and  Jacob  shall 
return,  and  shall  be  in  rest,  and  be  quiet,  and  none  shall  make 
him  afraid.  For  I  am  with  thee,  saith  the  Lord,  to  save  thee ; 
though  I  make  a  full  end  of  all  nations  whither  I  have  scattered 
thee,  yet  will  I  not  make  a  full  end  of  thee ;  but  I  will  correct 
thee  in  measure,  and  will  not  leave  thee  altogether  unpunished  : 
Jer.  XXX.  9-11.  At  the  same  time,  saith  the  Lord,  will  I  be  the 
God  of  all  the  families  of  Israel,  and  they  shall  be  my  people : 
Jer.  xxxi.  1.  Hear  the  word  of  the  Lord,  0  ye  nations,  and  de- 
clare it  in  the  isles  afar  off :  J er.  xxxi.  10.  "  God  hath  not  cast 
away  his  people  which  he  foreknew.'^ 


S04  OF  THE  KESTORATION  OF  THE  JEWS. 


"  Upon  mount  Zion  shall  be  deliverance,  and  there  shall  be  holiness  :  and 
the  house  of  Jacob  shall  possess  their  possessions.  "  —  Obadiah  17. 

DELIVEEANCE  shall  be  wrought  out  for  Israel ;  though  God 
may  appear  to  have  long  forgotten  them.  He  will  return 
unto,  own,  help,  and  head  them :  Zech.  i.  17.  "  Upon  Mount  Zion,'^ 
the  gospel-church,  from  whence  proceeded  the  New-Testament 
law,  their  deliverance  shall  be  continually  proclaimed,  and  prayed 
for :  Isa.  ii.  3.  "  And  there  shall  be  holiness ; "  for  without  it 
fchere  can  be  no  happiness :  Heb.  xii.  14.  And  wherever  God 
designs  to  give  glory,  he  never  fails  to  give  grace  to  prepare  for 
it :  Eph.  i.  6,  7.  The  gospel  must  be  preached  in  all  the  world : 
Matt.  xxiv.  14 ;  and  the  word  of  the  Lord  must  accomplish  that 
for  which  it  was  sent :  Isa.  Iv.  11 ;  and  the  house  of  Jacob  shall 
possess  their  possessions.^^ 

"  This  shall  be  the  covenant  that  I  will  make  with  the  house 
of  Israel ;  After  those  days,  saith  the  Lord,  I  will  put  my  law  in 
their  inward  parts,  and  write  it  in  their  hearts  ;  and  will  be  their 
God,  and  they  shall  be  my  people.  And  they  shall  teach  no 
more  every  man  his  neighbor,  and  every  man  his  brother,  saying, 
Know  the  Lord ;  for  they  shall  all  know  me,  from  the  least  of 
them  unto  the  greatest  of  them,  saith  the  Lord ;  for  I  will  for- 
give their  iniquity,  and  I  will  remember  their  sin  no  more :  Jer. 
xxxi.  33,  34.  In  those  days,  and  at  that  time,  will  I  cause  the 
Branch  of  righteousness  to  grow  up  unto  David ;  and  he  shall 
execute  judgment  and  righteousness  in  the  land.  In  those  days 
shall  Judah  be  saved,  and  Jerusalem  shall  dwell  safely ;  and  this 
is  the  name  wherewith  she  shall  be  called,  the  Lord  our  Eight- 
eousness :  Jer.  xxxiii.  15,  16.  And  I  will  set  up  one  shepherd 
over  them,  and  he  shall  feed  them,  even  my  servant  David,  (the 
Redeemer,)  he  shall  feed  them,  and  he  shall  be  their  shepherd. 
And  I  the  Lord  will  be  their  God,  and  my  servant  David  a  prince 
among  them ;  I  the  Lord  have  spoken  it :  Ezek.  xxxiv.  23,  24. 
In  that  time,  when  I  shall  bring  again  the  captivity  of  Judah  and 
Jerusalem,  I  will  also  gather  all  nations  and  will  bring  them 
down  into  the  valley  of  Jehoshaphat,  and  will  plead  with  them 
there,'^  &c.  :  Joel  iii.  1,  2.  And  they  shall  fear  the  Lord  and  hia 
goodness  in  the  latter  days :  Hos.  iii.  4,  5. 


OF  THE  RESTORATION  OF  THE  JEWS. 


305 


''Nevertheless,  when  it  shall  turn  to  the  Lord,  the  veil  shall  be  taken  away." 
—  2  Cor.  iii.  16. 

"I  TPOIS"  the  minds  of  all  men  there  is  a  natural  veil  of  igno- 
ranee  and  unbelief ;  and  which,  till  removed,  keeps  them  from 
understanding  the  mysteries  of  the  gospel  of  Christ :  Eph.  iv.  18. 
The  Jews  have  a  thick  veil  of  unbelief  and  deeply-rooted  preju- 
dice, against  Christ  and  his  holy  religion,  remaining  upon  their 
hearts :  2  Cor.  iii.  15.  They  wilfully  shut  their  eyes  against 
the  light;  and  God  has  justly  suffered  them  to  remain  shut. 
'^Nevertheless/^  there  is  a  time  coming  ''when  it,^^  the  body  of 
the  Jews,  "  shall  turn  to  the  Lord,^'  from  whom  they  have  wan- 
dered, and  "  the  veil  shall  be  taken  away : See  Isa.  xxv.  6-8. 

^'  Sing  and  rejoice,  0  daughter  of  Zion ;  for,  lo,  I  come,  and 
I  will  dwell  in  the  midst  of  thee,  saith  the  Lord.  And  many 
nations  shall  be  joined  to  the  Lord  in  that  day,  and  shall  be  my 
people;  and  I  will  dwell  in  the  midst  of  thee ;  and  thou  shalt  know 
that  the  Lord  of  hosts  hath  sent  me  unto  thee  :  Zech.  ii.  10,  11. 
The  Lord  thy  God  in  the  midst  of  thee  is  mighty  ;  he  will  save, 
he  will  rejoice  over  thee  with  joy :  he  will  rest  in  his  love  ;  he 
will  joy  over  thee  with  singing  :  Zeph.  iii.  17.  For  I  would  not, 
brethren,  that  ye  should  be  ignorant  of  this  mystery,  (lest  ye 
should  be  wise  in  your  own  conceits,)  that  blindness  in  part  has 
happened  to  Israel,  until  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles.  And  so  all 
Israel  shall  be  saved ;  as  it  is  written.  There  shall  come  out  of 
Sion  the  Deliverer,  and  shall  turn  away  ungodliness  from  Jacob ; 
for  this  is  my  covenant  unto  them,  when  I  shall  take  away  their 
sins.  As  concerning  the  gospel,  they  are  enemies  for  your  sakes ; 
but  as  touching  the  election,  they  are  beloved  for  the  fathers' 
sake.  For  the  gifts  and  callings  of  God  are  without  repentance. 
For  as  ye  in  time  past  have  not  believed  God,  yet  have  now 
obtained  mercy  through  their  unbelief,  even  so  have  these  also 
now  not  believed,  that  through  your  mercy  they  also  may  obtain 
mercy.  For  God  hath  concluded  them  all  in  unbelief,  that  he 
might  have  mercy  upon  all.  0  the  depth  of  the  riches  both  of 
the  wisdom  and  knowledge  of  God!  how  unsearchable  are  his 
judgments,  and  his  ways  past  finding  out !    Eom.  xi.  25-32. 


306      THAT  GOD  WILL  PERFOKM  ALL  HIS  PROMISES. 


"  The  word  of  the  Lord  is  tried :  he  is  a  buckler  to  all  those  that  trust  in 
him.  "  —  Ps.  xviii.  30. 

T   TOPE  in  the  promises  of  God  is  an  anchor  to  the  sotil. 


J — L  Whatever  storms  or  tempests  are  without,  or  however  the 
swelling  waves  of  corruption  may  roll  Avithin,  yet  the  Christian 
knows  that  the  God  in  whom  he  trusts  is  mightier  than  all ;  and, 
therefore,  rests  himself  on  the  promises  He  has  made  to  his 
people.  David  had  frequently  put  the  promises  of  the  Lord  to 
the  test,  but  never  found  one  of  them  once  to  fail  him ;  he  was, 
therefore,  bold  and  daring.  If  a  troop  stood  in  his  way  he  ran 
through  them:  2  Sam.  xxii.  30.  If  a  wall  crossed  his  path  he 
leaped  over  it :  Ps.  xviii.  29.  And  when  his  enemies  rose  up 
against  him  they  stumbled  and  fell :  Ps.  xxvii.  2.  So  that  he 
could  from  experience  say. 

The  word  of  the  Lord  is  tried In  every  age  of  the  world, 
the  saints  have  tried  it,  and  ever  found  it  to  be  immovable  as  a 
mountain  of  brass :  Deut.  vii.  9.  No  matter  how  far  forward 
some  of  the  promises  may  appear  to  be,  they  shall  all  be  per- 
formed in  due  season  :  Isa.  xxv.  1.  The  word  of  the  Lord 
has  been  tried  often,  and  never  failed  in  any  one  thing :  1  Kin. 
viii.  66.  Whatever  God  promises,  He  performs ;  and  we  ought 
to  consider  his  saying  of  it  to  be  like  his  doing  of  it :  Isa.  xlvi. 
11.  Men  frequently  promise  in  order  to  deceive ;  but  not  so 
with  God ;  for  should  the  sun  forget  to  rise,  God  will  never  fail 
to  perform  all  his  word :  Heb.  x.  23. 

"  He  is  a  buckler  to  all  those  tliat  trust  in  him.^^  Yes,  only  take 
God  at  his  word,  and  you  will  find  by  happy  experience  that  he 
is  TOUR  buckler.  A  buckler,  or  shield,  is  a  piece  of  defensive 
armor,  used  to  ward  off  the  blows  of  swords  or  arrows.  The 
truth  and  favor  of  God  are  the  shield  and  buckler  of  all  those 
that  trust  in  him :  Ps.  v.  12 ;  xviii.  2,  35 ;  xci.  4.  Nothing  but 
consolation,  sweet,  strong,  and  lasting  consolation,  ariseth  to 
poor  sinners  from  the  word  of  truth.  You  who  have  Jesus  for 
your  refuge,  have  the  Lord  for  your  buckler,  and  his  tried-word 
for  your  support.  Trust  in,  live  to,  venture  your  all  upon  him, 
and  you  will  find  every  promise  will  be  fulfilled  by  him :  Numb, 
xxiii.  19.  Eead  the  word,  search  it,  and  trust  in  it.  It  has  been 
tried  ofteu;  aud  failed  never. 


THAT  GOD  WILL  PERFORM  ALL  HIS  PROMISES.  307 


*'  Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away,  but  my  words  shall  not  pass  away," 
—  Matt.  xxiv.  35. 

QiUCH  is  the  declaration  of  the  mighty  God,  the  everlasting 


kJ/  Father,  the  Prince  of  Peace :  Isa.  ix.  6.  Never  was  there 
a  foundation  so  strong  as  that  on  which  a  disciple  of  Christ  builds 
his  faith ;  and  that  is  laid  in  the  promises  of  God.  The  moun- 
tains may  be  hurled  from  their  seats,  and  buried  in  the  mighty 
deep :  Ps.  xlvi.  1-3 ;  the  pillars  of  heaven  may  tremble,  bend,  and 
break,  but  God's  word  remains  the  same :  Isa.  xl.  8.  Heaven 
and  earth  shall  pass  aivay;^^  for  God  has  ordained  that  they 
should  be  changed :  Ps.  cii.  25-27.  But  the  word  of  the  Lord  is 
settled  in  heaven ;  as  also  revealed  on  earth,  and  "  shall  not  poLss 
away : Ps.  cxix.  89.  Turn  which  way  you  will,  you  meet  with 
the  mercy  of  the  Lord,  can  trace  his  providence,  and  still  find 
cause  for  depending  on  his  truth,  for  all  that  he  has  promised. 
And  that  truth  having  never  deceived  you,  what  more  can  you 
want  ?  what  further  evidence  can  you  require  ?  Is  not  eternal 
veracity  sufficient  ?  Is  He  not  your  Tower,  your  Eock,  your 
Eefuge,  your  Strength,  your  Redeemer,  and  your  portion  ?  Ps. 
Ixi.  3;  Isa.  xxxii.  2.  It  was  He  who  graciously  invited  you, 
entwined  the  cords  of  his  love  around  your  wandering  heart,  and 
drew  you  to  himself;  Jer.  xxxi.  3;  John  vi.  44.  The  covenant 
which  he  has  entered  into  with  you  has  been  sealed  by  his  blood, 
and  can  never  be  broken:  Isa.  Iv.  3.  The  Eedeemer's  dying 
legacy  to  all  his  dear  children  is  Peace  ;  nothing  but  love  dwells 
in  his  heart ;  and  nothing  but  peace  is  heard  from  his  lips. 

Paith  in  the  promises  of  God  will  remove  all  fears,  and  chase 
awaj  all  sorrow.  W as  he  ever  faithful  and  kind  ?  He  is  still 
the  same :  Heb.  xiii.  8.  Ye  know  in  all  your  hearts,  and  in  all 
your  souls,  that  not  one  thing  hath  failed,  of  all  the  good  things 
which  the  Lord  your  God  spake  concerning  you ;  all  are  come  to 
pass  unto  you,  and  not  one  thing  hath  failed  thereof:'"  Josh, 
xxiii.  14;  1  Kin.  viii.  56.  Jesus,  the  Logos,  the  Word,  the  Maker 
of  all  things,  who  was  made  flesh,  declares,  that  ''his  icords  shall 
not  pass  away : John  i.  1-3,  14.  Our  hope  is  established  and 
strengthened  through  patience  and  comfort  of  the  promises  of 
God :  Eom.  xv.  4. 


308      THAT  GOD  WILL  PERFORM  ALL  HIS  PROMISES. 


"The  grass  wUhereih,  the  flower  fadeth ;  but  the  word  of  our  God  shall 
stand  forever. ' '  —  Isa.  xl.  8. 

ATUEE  and  necessity  are  the  Lord's ;  and  none  can  limit 
him.  He  speaks  the  word  and  it  comes  to  pass ;  and  none 
can  resist  his  omnipotent  will :  Numb,  xxiii.  19.  We  have  here, 
1st.  A  true  emblem  of  man ;  "  The  grass  withereth :  so  man, 
with  all  his  boasted  power,  is  not  to  be  trusted  to ;  for,  in  the 
height  of  all  his  enjoyments,  he  may  be  suddenly  called  upon  to 
experience  a  sad  reverse ;  to-day,  he  may  be  fat  and  flourishing ; 
to-morrow,  faded  and  lean ;  to-day,  full  and  fruitful,  to-morrow, 
sapless  and  dry.  The  flower  fadeth;  youth  may  be  blooming 
with  beauty  to-day ;  to-morrow,  faded  and  gone.  Though  art  and 
nature  may  combine  to  make  a  perfect  beauty,  there  is  nothing 
belonging  to  man  that  can  be  depended  upon ;  for  still,  "  the 
flower  fadeth and  the  Lord  alone  is  the  only  foundation  on 
which  we  can  build  our  hopes.  Of  what  has  man  to  boast,  even 
in  his  best  estate  ?  And, 

2d.  The  validity  of  the  word  of  God;  "But  the  word  of  our 
God  shall  stand  forever^  He  stretched  out  the  heavens,  hung 
their  lofty  arches  with  brilliant  lamps ;  and  created  the  earth  and 
sea  by  the  word  of  his  power ;  and  these  shall  all  be  changed ; 
but  He  remains  the  same :  Heb.  i.  10-12.  "  The  word  of  our 
God,"  and  that  grace  which  is  brought  with  it  to  us,  and  wrought 
by  it  in  us,  shall  stand  forever  : 1  Pet.  i.  23-25,  When  every 
creature-comfort  withers  and  fades,  a  Christian  has  this  best  of 
all  consolations  left,  "  The  word  of  God  shall  stand : "  Ps.  Ixxxix. 
34.  In  all  generations  the  perfections  of  God  are  the  same.  He 
who  divided  the  sea  —  rained  bread  from  heaven — and  broke  the 
flinty  rock,  for  the  good  of  his  people,  remains  ever  the  same ; 
Deut.  vii.  9.  His  words  are  clear  and  distinct,  without  the  least 
deceit;  and  such  as  may  well  secure  the  confidence,  and  satisfy 
the  desires  of  the  weakest  of  all  believers  who  hang  upon  them. 
Neither,  heaven,  earth,  nor  hell,  have  ever  witnessed  the  least 
deviation  from  truth  and  justice  on  the  part  of  God :  Isa.  liv.  9, 
10.  "  The  word  of  our  God  has  stood ;  does  stand ;  and  "  shall 
§tand  forever," 


THAT  GOD  WILL  PERFORM  ALL  HIS  PROMISES.  309 


"He  is  faithful  tfiat  has  promised.  **  —  Heb.  x.  23. 

'E  often  break  the  promises  we  make  with  God ;  but  He 


V  V  never  fails  in  anything  he  has  promised  to  us.  And, 
therefore,  his  faithfuhiess  to  his  word  may  well  encourage  our 
faith  in  his  promises :  Hos.  ii.  19,  20.  Suffer  not  the  carnal 
reasonings  of  the  flesh,  the  contempt  of  wicked  men,  or  the  base 
insinuations  of  the  devil,  to  put  you  to  a  stand.  ^^It  is  writ- 
ten," is  an  argument  sufficient  to  support  your  soul  against 
every  attack  of  the  most  wily  foe.  The  world  and  its  children 
may,  yea,  will  prove  false  and  fickle  ;  but  the  foundation  of  God 
standeth  sure  :  2  Tim.  ii.  19.  That  God  has  hitherto  been  faith- 
ful to  his  promises,  I  need  only  refer  to  your  own  experience  ; 
to  the  dangers,  seen  and  unseen,  he  has  protected  you  in,  and 
brought  you  through  ;  to  the  intricate  paths  through  which  he  has 
led  you  ;  and  the  many  troubles  from  which  he  has  delivered  you. 
Often  has  He  caused  light  to  break  out  of  obscurity,  and  turned 
your  midnight  into  noon-day  :  Deut.  xxxii.  11,  12.  He  has  been 
your  unerring  Guide,  even  when  you  knew  not  how  to  ask  his 
counsel :  Ps.  xxv.  8.  He  has  often  confounded  your  unbelief, 
by  supplying  your  needs  unexpectedly ;  and  though  your  faith 
has  often  failed,  his  goodness  has  remained. 

Say,  have  you  not  hitherto  found  him  a  kind,  faithful,  never- 
failing  fountain  of  mercy,  goodness,  and  truth?  Has  he  not 
frequently  hushed  your  troubled  breast,  and  in  the  sweetest  ac- 
cents spoken  peace  to  your  distressed  soul  ?  Jer.  xxxi.  3.  Eecall 
to  your  mind  the  many  times  when  he  has  literally  fulfilled  his 
word,  by  sending  immediate  answers  to  your  prayers  ;  and  proved 
himself  your  helper,  when  every  other  help  has  failed  you ;  and 
you  will  then  be  constrained  to  acknowledge,  that  "He  is  faithful 
that  has  promisedJ^  You  still  have  his  faithful  word,  his  precious 
promises,  his  solemn  oath,  all  pledged  for  your  security  and  sal- 
vation. "  He  is  faithful :  "  ever  plead  his  faithfulness  ;  and  let  a 
remembrance  of  the  past  encourage  you  to  trust  him  for  the 
future ;  for  "  He  is  faithful."  Be  not  fickle,  but  faithful.  Let 
FAITH  carry  you  through  all  the  ways  of  God,  while  you  rely  on 
the  PROMISES  of  God ;  for  "  He  is  faithful  that  has  promised.'^ 


310 


THE  BENEDICTION. 


"The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  you  all.  Amen.**  —  Rev. 
xxii.  21. 

CHRISTtAN  EEADEE :  —  After  having  laid  before  you  so 
many  of  those  exceeding  great  and  precious  promises/' 
secured  unto  you  by  last  will  and  testament  of  the  adorable 
Redeemer,  permit  me  now  to  assure  you,  that  I  desire  nothing 
more,  than  that  tlie  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  may  he  witJi 
you ''  in  this  life,  to  prepare  you  to  be  with  him  in  the  next.  The 
apostle  John  could  wish  the  church  nothing  more;  and  I  can  wish 
you  nothing  less.  And  that  you  might  see  the  nature  of  this 
the  apostle's  and  my  wish,  Observe, 

Grace  is  put  for,  (1)  The  free,  eternal  love  of  God,  the  spring 
and  source  of  every  other  good :  2  Tim.  i.  9.  (2)  The  free  impu- 
tation of  Christ's  righteousness,  by  which  we  become  righteous  in 
the  sight  of  God :  Rom.  v.  20.  (3)  The  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
renewing  the  soul  after  the  image  of  God,  and  assisting  us  in  the 
discharge  of  all  those  duties  required  of  us :  2  Cor.  xii.  9.  (4) 
That  state  of  friendship  and  reconciliation  with  God  which  he 
graciously  bestows :  Rom.  v.  2.  (5)  The  free  love,  favor,  and 
bounty  of  Jesus  Christ :  2  Cor.  viii.  9.  (6)  The  pure  doctrines  of 
the  Gospel  of  Christ,  proceeding  from  grace :  1  Pet.  v.  12.  (7)  A 
liberal  and  charitable  disposition,  wrought  in  the  heart  by  the 
grace  of  God :  2  Cor.  viii.  7.  (8)  Spiritual  instruction  and  edifi- 
cation :  Eph.  iv.  29.  (9)  The  office  of  apostleship,  together  with 
ability  for  the  work  of  the  ministry :  Eph.  iii.  8.  (10)  A  lively 
sense  of  the  free,  undeserved  favor  of  God  in  the  soul :  Rom.  i.  7. 
(11)  The  love  of  God  dwelling  in  the  heart ;  or  the  assistance  of 
divine  grace  :  2  Cor.  i.  12.  (12)  Eaith,  patience,  and  other  graces, 
that  enable  us  to  bear,  and  support  us  under  afflictions  :  Phil.  i.  7. 
(13)  Eternal  life,  or  final  salvation,  which  God  will  graciously 
bestow,  when  Jesus  Christ  shall  be  revealed :  1  Pet.  i.  13.  (14)  It 
is  also  put  for  something  beautiful  and  graceful :  Prov.  iv.  9. 
And  (15)  Eor  favor  and  friendship  with  man :  Gen.  xxxix.  4. 

Such,  beloved,  is  the  nature  of  the  apostle's  wish,  and  of  my 
most  fervent  prayer ;  and  to  which,  I  have  no  doubt,  you  will  add, 
with  me,  your  most  hearty  Ame7i.^^  So  be  it  —  Lord,  as  thy 
servant  has  desired.    So  let  it  be. 


AN  APPENDIX: 


CONTAINING  A  COMPENDIUM  OF  THE  BIBLE: 

WITH  ILLUSTRATIONS,  ETC.  ETC. 
BIBLE. 

THE  word^  bible/'  signifies  Book;  and  is  so  called  on  ac- 
count of  its  being  a  Book  of  Books ;  sixty-six  in  all.  The 
whole  Bible,  consisting  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  is  com- 
monly called  the  "  Scriptures  ;  and  which  signifies,  tvritings. 
They  were  written  by  different  persons,  at  different  times,  aiid 
in  different  places;  and  since  the  canon  of  Scripture  has  been 
filled  up,  as  also  before,  the  whole  is  called,  The  book  of  the 
Lord  :  "  Isa.  xxxiv.  16.  They  were  inspired  by  the  Lord  ;  and 
abound  with  the  most  sublime  descriptions  of  him :  2  Tim.  iii. 
16,  17.  The  Bible  describes,  not  only  the  nature  of  God  and 
what  He  is  in  himself,  but  also  the  relations  in  which  he  stands 
to  us  as  his  creatures :  Isa.  Ixiii.  16 ;  Mai.  ii.  10.  And  scarcely 
could  there  be  a  question  asked,  by  any  serious  mind,  concerning 
the  Divine  Being,  but  may  be  answered  by  the  Scriptures.  They 
are  sanctioned  by  the  Lord ;  and  he  has  affixed  his  seal  to  the 
truth  of  them.  See  Isa.  Iv.  10,  11 ;  Eom.  i.  16 ;  1  Thess.  ii.  13. 
They  find  us  far  from  God,  and  mark  out  the  path  by  which  we 
are  brought  back  to  our  Pather's  house :  Isa.  liii.  6 ;  John  iii. 
16-18.  If  you  would  gain  instruction,  attentively  read  the 
Bible ;  for  that  is  a  book  of  knowledge,  with  every  page  replete 
with  sacred  information :  2  Tim.  iii.  15.  If  you  want  examples, 
you  will  find  the  Bible  a  book  of  models ;  for  the  precepts  there 
contained,  not  only  describe  what  men  ought  to  be,  but,  in  living 
characters,  show  what  they  really  were :  Heb.  xi.  To  gain  excite- 
ments you  have  only  to  read  the  Bible,  and  you  have  a  book  of 
motives  the  most  powerful;  addressed,  not  only  to  the  under- 
standing, but  to  the  conscience  and  heart.  If  you  need  encourage- 
ments, all  you  have  to  do  is  to  read  your  Bible ;  for  there  you 
have  a  book  of  "  precious  promises  ^'  and  "  strong  consolations ;  '* 
suited  to  every  case,  and  well  calculated  to  meet  every  emer« 
gency :  Ps.  xix.  7-11. 


312 


DIVISIONS  OF  THE  BIBLE. 


The  Old  Testament  was  chiefly  written  in  the  Hebrew  lan- 
guage, and  the  New  Testament  in  the  Greek.  The  present  Eng- 
lish Bible  was  translated  out  of  the  original  tongues  in  the 
reign  of  King  James  I.  It  contains  two  collections  of  writings, 
distinguished  by  the  titles  of  the  Old  Testament  and  the  New 
Testament.  The  former  contains  the  successive  revelations  of  the 
will  of  God  to  man  before  the  birth  of  Christ;  and  the  latter 
comprises  the  writings  of  the  Evangelists  and  Apostles  of  the 
Eedeemer.  The  two  parts  include  sixty-six  books.  The  ancient 
Jews  classed  the  thirty-nine  books  of  the  Old  Testament  in  three 
divisions;  and  those  portions  were  called,  1st.  The  Law;  2d. 
The  Prophets;  and,  3d.  The  Holy  Writings.  The  law,  contain- 
ing the  five  books  of  Moses,  was  called  the  Pentateuch;  from 
a  word  signifying  five  instruments.  The  prophets  included 
Joshua,  Judges,  the  two  books  of  Samuel,  and  the  two  books 
of  Kings,  which  were  called  "  the  Former  Prophets."  And  the 
"  Latter  Prophets  "  comprised  Isaiah,  Jeremiah,  Ezekiel,  and  the 
twelve  smaller  prophetical  books  from  Hosea  to  Malachi,  which 
were  all  reckoned  one  book.  The  Holy  Writings  comprehended 
the  book  of  Kuth,  the  two  books  of  Chronicles,  Ezra,  Nehemiah, 
Esther,  Job,  the  Psalms,  Proverbs,  Ecclesiastes,  Solomon's  Song, 
Lamentations,  and  the  book  of  Daniel. 

When  "  Lord  is  printed  in  capital  letters,  it  is  in  the  original, 
JEHOVAH. All  words  printed  in  Italics  are  not  in  the  origi- 
nal, but  are  merely  designed  by  the  translators  to  make  it  read 
in  English ;  for  without  such  words,  the  sense,  in  many  places, 
would  be  incomplete. 

That  arrangement  of  the  Sacred  Writings  adopted  in  our 
Bibles,  is  not  regulated  by  the  exact  order  of  time ;  although  it 
is  universally  allowed,  that  the  book  of  Genesis  is  the  first, 
land  the  prophecy  of  Malachi  the  last  of  the  books  of  the  Old 
Testament. 

The  books  of  the  Bible,  when  first  written,  were  not  divided 
into  chapters  and  verses ;  neither  were  there  any  marks  of  punct- 
uation, or  stops ;  but  letter  followed  letter  as  if  every  line  had 
been  a  single  word.  The  Jews,  however,  began  very  early  to 
point  their  sections;  though  it  is  not  certain  when  this  improve 
ment  was  made. 


TABLE  OF  BOOKS. 


313 


The  division  of  the  several  books  into  chapters  and  verses  is 
a  modern  invention ;  and  though  useful  in  many  respects,  there 
are  serious  disadvantages  attending  it ;  for  by  it  the  sense  of  the 
writer  is  frequently  obscured.  For  example :  The  first  verse  of 
the  seventh  chapter  of  the  second  epistle  to  the  Corinthians 
should  be  read  along  with  the  sixth  chapter.  In  order,  therefore, 
to  obtain  a  general  view  of  the  plan  and  connection  of  any  par- 
ticular book,  it  should  be  carefully  read  all  through,  without  pay- 
ing the  least  regard  to  this  arbitrary  division. 

In  the  New  Testament,  it  frequently  occurs  that  names  are  dif- 
ferently spelt  from  what  they  are  in  the  Old.  For  example :  Isaiah 
is  called  Esaias :  Matt.  iii.  3 ;  Isa.  xl.  3,  4.  Joshua,  who  was  a  type 
of  the  Eedeemer,  is,  according  to  the  true  signification  of  his  name, 
called  Jesus  :  Acts  vii.  45 ;  Heb.  iv.  8.  Hosea  is  called  Osee : 
Eom.  ix.  25 ;  Hosea  i.  10 ;  ii.  23.  This  should  ever  be  kept  in 
mind,  or  we  may  make  many  serious  mistakes  in  reading.  To 
properly  understand  the  true  meaning  of  any  passage,  or  chapter, 
it  will  be  well  to  consider  the  whole  design  of  the  writer;  and 
this  will  be  readily  discovered  by  the  preceding  and  following 
parts  of  the  same  book. 

TABLE  OF  BOOKS,  ETC. 

The  following  table  is  believed  to  contain  accurate  particulars 
of  the  English  version  of  the  Bible;  and  though  it  may  profit 
but  few,  it  will  probably  please  most  readers. 

In  the  Old  Testament.      In  the  New  Testament.  Total. 


Books  .    ,   39  27  66 

Chapters   929  260  1,189 

Verses   23,214  7,959  31,173 

Words   592,493  181,253  773,746 

Letters   2,728,100  838,380  3,566,480 


The  middle  chapter  and  the  shortest  in  the  Bible,  is  the  one 
hundred  and  seventeenth  Psalm :  the  middle  verse  is  the  eighth 
of  the  one  hundred  and  eighteenth  Psalm.  The  nineteenth  chap- 
ter of  the  second  book  of  Kings  and  the  thirty-seventh  chapter  of 
Isaiah  are  both  alike.  Tlie  twenty-first  verse  of  the  seventh  chap- 
ter of  Ezra  has  all  the  letters  of  the  alphabet  in  it,  excepting  J. 


314 


GENESIS. 


O:;^^  The  reader  will  observe,  that,  in  noticing  the  several  books 
of  the  Bihle^  the  figure  or  figures  on  the  left,  designate  the  chap- 
ter to  which  the  remarks  immediately  following  belong. 

GENESIS. 

Genesis  signifies  creation,  generation,  or  beginning.  This 
book  was  written  by  Moses :  it  relates  the  history  of  the  Crea- 
tion, and  about  twenty-four  generations  descended  from  Adam. 
It  contains  a  history  of  about  2369  years. 

Chapter  1.  Tells  us  how  the  world  was  made.  2.  Of  the 
formation  of  man,  and  his  happiness  in  Eden.  3.  The  fall  of 
Man  —  the  Serpent  cursed,  and  the  Saviour  promised.  4.  The 
births,  trades,  and  religions  of  Cain  and  Abel  —  the  murder  of 
Abel  —  the  curse  of  Cain  —  and  building  of  the  first  city.  5.  The 
genealogy,  ages,  and  deaths  of  the  patriarchs  from  Adam  to 
Noah  —  the  godliness  and  translation  of  Enoch.  6.  The  pro- 
voking wickedness  of  the  antediluvian  world  —  Noah's  finding 
favor  with  God  —  the  order,  form,  and  end  of  the  ark.  7.  The 
preservation  of  Noah  and  his  family  —  the  beginning,  increase, 
and  continuance  of  the  flood.  8.  The  assuaging  of  the  waters  — 
Noah's  leaving  the  ark  —  his  sacrifice  accepted  —  God's  covenant 
with  him.  9.  God's  covenai^t  established  —  the  rainbow  as  a 
sign  —  Noah's  drunkenness — Canaan  cursed  —  Shem  blessed  — 
and  Japheth  prayed  for.  10.  Nimrod,  the  first  monarch.  11. 
The  building  of  Babel  —  the  confusion  of  tongues  —  the  genera- 
tions of  Shem — and  of  Terah,  the  father  of  Abram.  12.  Abram's 
call,  blessing,  and  promise  of  Christ  —  Canaan  is  promised  to  him 
and  his  seed.  13.  Abram  and  his  nephew  Lot  separate  by  dis- 
agreement—  Lot  removes  to  Sodom.  14.  The  battle  of  four 
Kings  against  five  —  Lot  is  taken  prisoner  and  rescued  by  Abram. 
15.  Isaac  is  promised  —  and  the  promise  of  Canaan  renewed.  16. 
Hagar  is  afflicted  —  comforted  by  an  angel  —  Ishmael  is  born. 

17.  The  change  of  Abram's  name  to  that  of  Abraham,  and  his 
wife  Sarai's  to  that  of  Sarah,  in  token  of  a  greater  blessing  — 
Isaac  is  again  promised  —  Abraham  and  Ishmael  are  circumcised. 

18.  Abraham  entertains  three  angels  —  he  intercedes  for  the  men 
of  Sodom,    19.  Lot  entertains  two  angels — the  Sodomites  are 


GENESIS. 


S15 


stricken  with  blindness  —  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  are  destroyed — - 
Lot  escapes  to  the  mountains  —  his  wife  is  a  pillar  of  salt  —  he 
commits  drunkenness  and  incest.  20.  Abraham  denies  his  wife 
through  fear,  loses  and  regains  her.  21.  The  birth  and  circum- 
cision of  Isaac  —  Sarah  rejoices  —  Hagar  and  Ishmael  are  sent 
away.  22.  The  trial  of  Abraham's  faith  in  offering  up  Isaac.  23. 
The  age  and  death  of  Sarah  —  the  purchase  of  Machpelah,  where 
Sarah  was  buried.  24.  Abraham  swears  his  servant,  and  sends 
him  to  seek  a  wife  for  Isaac  —  his  journey — Eebekah  meets  him, 
invites  him  home,  introduces  him  to  her  friends,  and  consents  to 
go  with  him  —  he  brings  her  to  Isaac,  and  she  becomes  his  wife. 

25.  The  age,  death,  and  burial  of  Abraham  —  age  and  death  of 
Ishmael  —  birth  of  Esau  and  Jacob — Esau  sells  his  birthright. 

26.  Isaac  removes  to  Gerar  because  of  famine  —  God  blesses  him 
there  —  he  is  reproved  for  denying  his  wife  —  he  grows  rich  — 
Esau  survives.  27.  Jacob  feigns  himself  to  be  Esau,  and  obtains 
his  father's  blessing.  28.  The  Vision  of  Jacob's  Ladder  —  his 
vow.  29.  Jacob's  first  interview  with  Rachel — he  covenants  for 
her  —  he  is  deceived  with  Leah  —  births  of  Reuben,  Simeon, 
Levi,  and  Judah.  30.  Rachel  bears  Joseph  —  Jacob  becomes 
rich.  31.  Jacob  leaves  Laban  and  is  pursued  by  him.  32.  J acob 
wrestles  with  an  angel  —  is  called  Israel  —  and  made  to  halt. 
33.  The  meeting  of  Jacob  and  Esau  —  their  kindness  to  each 
other.  34.  Dinah  is  ravished  by  Shechem  —  the  sons  of  Jacob 
slay  the  Shechemites,  and  spoil  their  city.  35.  Benjamin  is  born 
—  Rachel  dies.  36.  Esau's  wives  —  the  Kings  of  Edom.  37. 
Joseph  is  hated  of  his  brethren  —  his  dreams  —  his  death  con- 
spired—  is  sold  to  the  Ismaelites  —  is  sold  to  Potiphar.  38. 
The  birth  and  sin  of  Onan.  39.  Joseph  is  advanced  in  Potiphar's 
house  —  resists  the  temptation  of  his  mistress  —  is  falsely  ac- 
cused, and  cast  into  prison.  40.  The  dreams  of  the  butler  and 
baker  of  Pharaoh  in  prison  —  Joseph  interprets  them.  41.  Pha- 
raoh's two  dreams  —  Joseph  interprets  them  —  gives  Pharaoh 
advice  —  is  advanced  —  begets  Manasseh  and  Ephraim  —  the 
famine  commences.  42  to  47.  Contain  the  remaining  part  of  the 
history  of  J oseph.  48.  Joseph  with  his  sons  visit  Jacob  in  his 
sickness,  who  blesses  them,  and  foretells  their  return  to  Cam m. 


316 


EXODUS. 


49.  Jacob  blesses  his  sons  —  charges  them  concerning  his  burial 

—  and  dies.  50.  Joseph  goes  to  bury  his  father  —  the  funeral  — 
Joseph  comforts  his  brethren  who  begged  his  pardon  —  his  age 

—  he  lives  to  see  the  third  generation  of  his  sons — foretells  to 
his  brethren  of  their  return  —  takes  an  oath  of  them  concerning 
his  bones  —  he  dies  —  is  embalmed  and  put  into  a  coffin  in  Egypt 

in  which  he  was  carefully  preserved. 

EXODUS. 

This  is  the  second  book  of  Moses  ;  and  is  called  Exodus,  on 
account  of  its  relating  to  the  history  of  the  Israelites'  leaving 
Egypt;  as  the  word  signifies  departure,  or  going  forth.  It  is  a 
narrative  of  the  transactions  of  about  145  years,  from  the  death 
of  Joseph,  to  the  erection  of  the  tabernacle,  in  the  year  of  the 
world  2514. 

Chapter  1.  Describes  God's  kindness  and  the  Egyptians' 
wickedness  to  Israel.  They  were  oppressed  —  enslaved,  and 
their  children  murdered.  2.  The  birth  and  preservation  of 
Moses.  3.  God's  appearing  unto  Moses  in  the  burning  bush. 
4.  God's  message  by  Moses  to  Pharaoh.  4  to  12.  Moses' 
miracles  —  the  ten  plagues  on  Egypt — the  departure  of  the 
Israelites.  13  to  19.  Their  passage  through  the  sea  —  the  de- 
struction of  Pharaoh  and  his  host  in  the  same — their  journey- 
ings  to  mount  Sinai.  20.  The  ten  commandments.  21  to  23. 
Laws  for  servants  and  different  crimes.  24.  Moses  is  forty  days 
in  the  mountain.  25.  The  orders  given  to  Moses  for  the  erecting 
and  furnishing  of  a  tabernacle  to  the  honor  and  service  of  God. 
26  and  27.  Further  instructions  concerning  the  tabernacle  for  the 
f/orship  of  God.  28.  Aaron  and  his  sons  are  set  apart  for  the 
priest's  office.  29.  Orders  given  concerning  the  priests  —  the 
altar  —  and  daily  sacrifice.  30.  The  altar  of  incense,  and  ransom 
of  souls.    31.  The  observation  of  the  Sabbath  again  commanded 

—  Moses  receives  the  two  tables.  32.  The  people  in  the  absence 
of  Moses  make  and  worship  a  calf.  33.  The  Lord  talketh 
familiarly  with  Moses.  34.  Moses,  after  forty  days,  returns  from 
the  mount  with  the  two  tables.  The  35th  and  five  following 
chapters,  relate  to  the  Sabbath  —  the  free  gifts  —  the  liberality 


LEVITICUS  —  NUMBERS. 


317 


of  the  people  —  the  ark  —  the  altar  —  the  clothes  of  service — • 
and  the  rearing  of  the  tabernacle. 

Saint  Paul,  in  the  tenth  chapter  of  his  first  epistle  to  the 
Corinthians,  has  furnished  us  with  a  practical  improvement  of 
many  of  the  events  recorded  in  this  book. 

Moses  —  the  vision  of  the  burning  bush  —  the  pillar  of  cloud 
and  fire  —  the  manna  —  the  rock  —  and  the  tabernacle,  were  all 
typical,  and  pre-figured  Christ.  The  deliverance  of  the  children 
of  Israel  from  Egyptian  bondage,  strikingly  sets  forth  our  deliv- 
erance from  sin ;  and  their  journeyings  through  the  wilderness, 
resemble  ours  through  this  world. 

LEVITICUS. 

TniJii  third  book  of  Moses  is  called  Leviticus,  because  it  treats 
chiefly  of  those  laws  and  offices  relating  to  the  Levitical  priest- 
hood. The  first  seven  chapters  prescribe  the  laws  of  the  various 
offerings.  In  the  eighth  chapter  we  have  an  account  of  the 
consecration  of  Aaron  and  his  sons  to  the  priest's  office  —  the 
death  of  Nadab  and  Abihu,  two  of  Aaron's  sons,  for  offering 
common  fire,  which  God  had  forbidden.  11  to  15.  The  laws 
relating  to  uncleanness,  and  means  of  purification.  The  17th  and 
five  following  chapters  contain  laws  prohibiting  the  eating  of 
blood  —  sacrificing  to  devils  —  thefts  —  alliance  with  the  Canaan- 
ites,  and  other  sins.  23.  Laws  for  the  feasts  of  passover  —  pente- 
cost  —  trumpets  —  expiation  —  and  the  feast  of  tabernacles.  24. 
One  is  punished  with  death  for  blasphemy.  25.  Rules  laid  down 
for  the  years  of  release  and  Jubilee.  26.  Mercy  is  promised  to 
the  penitent,  and  vengeance  threatened  to  the  disobedient.  The 
last  chapter  gives  regulations  concerning  things  devoted  to  the 
Lord. 

The  best  commentary  that  can  be  given  to  this  book,  is  the 
epistle  to  the  Hebrews.  The  things  here  described  are  but 
the  shadows  of  which  Christ  is  the  suhstanoe, 

NUMBERS. 

Such  is  the  name  of  the  fourth  book  of  Moses  ;  and  is  so  called 
because  it  relates  to  the  numberings  and  journeyings  of  the 


318 


DEUTERONOMY  —  JOSHUA. 


Hebrews  in  the  desert.  It  is  a  history  of  about  thirty-nine  years. 
It  shows  how  the  promise  to  Abraham  was  literally  fulfilled : 
See  Gen.  xv.  5.  This  promise  has  also  a  spiritual  fulfilment : 
Gal.  iii.  29.  This  book  gives  an  account  of  the  journey ings  — 
murmurings  —  and  punishments  of  the  Israelites.  Chapter  22 
gives  an  account  of  Balak's  fruitless  attempts  to  curse  them. 
The  brazen  serpent  is  a  striking  type  of  the  Eedeemer,  who  was 
hung  on  the  cross  —  and  is  held  up  on  the  pole  of  the  gospel : 
See  chap.  21 5  and  John  iii.  14,  15 ;  xii.  32,  33. 

DEUTERONOMY. 

Deuteronomy  is  the  last  book  of  Moses.  Its  name  signifies 
the  second  law;  or  a  second  edition  of  the  law.  It  briefly  recounts 
many  of  the  circumstances  recorded  in  the  former  books;  and 
records  no  new  history  but  that  of  the  death  of  Moses  in  the  last 
chapter.  The  eighteenth  verse  of  the  eighteenth  chapter  is  a  very 
clear  prophecy  of  Christ.  Notwithstanding  this  book  contains 
much  of  what  has  gone  before  it,  it  may  be  considered  more 
sublime,  and  its  matter  plainer,  than  either  of  the  former  books. 
It  is  full  of  instructions ;  and  abounds  with  practical  directions, 
as  applicable  to  us  as  to  Israel. 

JOSHUA. 

We  are  not  certain  that  Joshua  wrote  this  book,  though  it  is 
called  by  his  name ;  but  if  any  one  else  wrote  it  they  must  have 
had  his  journals  or  memoirs.  Joshua  was  first  called  Oshea: 
Numb.  xiii.  16  ;  or  Hoshea :  Deut.  xxxii.  44 ;  but  to  show  that  he 
would  render  Israel  safe  and  happy,  he  was  called  Jehoshua  or 
Joshua,  which  signifies  the  Saviour;  hence  he  is  called  Jesus: 
See  Acts  vii.  45 ;  Heb.  iv.  8.  Joshua  was  a  descendant  of 
Ephraim ;  and  was  born,  A.M.  2460.  The  book  of  Joshua  con- 
tains the  history  of  about  thirty  years  ;  it  gives  an  account  of  the 
conquest  and  division  of  the  land  of  Canaan  —  the  happiness  of 
God^s  peculiar  people  —  the  awful  judgments  inflicted  on  their 
enemies  —  and  shows  how  exactly  God  fulfilled  his  promises  to 
Abraham,  in  giving  to  his  seed  Canaan  for  a  possession.  When 
Joshua  found  that  his  end  drew  near,  he  assembled  the  Hebrews 


JUDGES  —  KUTH. 


319 


and  briefly  recounted  to  them  the  great  things  that  God  had  done 
for  them  and  their  fathers ;  and  caused  them  to  renew  their 
covenant  with  God  in  the  most  solemn  manner.  He  died  at  the 
age  of  one  hundred  and  ten  years ;  and  was  buried  at  Timnath- 
Serah :  See  chap.  xxiv. 

Joshua  might  be  considered  a  very  distinguished  type  of  the 
Redeemer.  God  called  and  qualified  him  for  his  office,  and  was 
with  him  in  all  his  undertakings  :  and  even  his  name  is  pregnant 
with  salvation. 

JUDGES. 

This  book  contains  the  history  of  about  309  years ;  and  is  a 
very  short  account  of  the  affairs  of  Israel,  from  the  death  of 
Joshua  to  that  of  Samson.  It  contains  two  parts  —  the  first  one 
ending  at  the  sixteenth  chapter,  and  which  comprises  a  regular 
history ;  and  the  five  following  chapters  contain  some  remarkable 
events  which  happened  during  that  time.  The  Jews  had  ordinary 
judges  both  for  civil  and  religious  causes.  The  high  priest  was  a 
kind  of  supreme  judge.  No  judge  was  allowed  to  receive  pres- 
ents ;  nor  to  regard  men  either  for  poverty  or  greatness  ;  and  all 
were  required  to  honor  them  :  See  Exod.  xxiii. ;  Deut.  xvi.  18-20. 
Some  of  them  were  immediately  called  of  God,  and  others  were 
elected  by  the  people  :  See  the  third  and  eleventh  chapters. 

The  judges  executed  the  laws  —  reformed  or  protected  religion 
—  punished  malefactors — had  the  sole  management  of  peace  and 
war  —  and  had  an  absolute  authority  in  deciding  causes.  But 
they  levied  no  taxes,  and  had  no  other  attendance  than  what  their 
own  income  would  allow  them. 

In  the  sinful  conduct  of  the  Israelites,  we  cannot  help  observ- 
ing the  awful  depravity  of  man  —  the  certainty  of  punishment 
following  sin  —  and  the  goodness  of  God  in  forgiving  sins  ;  while 
all  their  temporal  deliverers  may  point  to  Christ,  our  Captain, 
Deliverer,  and  Judge. 

RUTH. 

We  have  in  this  book  a  short  history  of  the  domestic  affairs  of 
one  particular  family ;  and  it  is  probable,  that  Samuel  was  the 
writer  of  it.   Its  design  is  to  show  us  how  conversant  Providence 


320 


1  SAMUEL — 2  SAMUEL. 


is  about  all  our  private  concerns  ;  and  to  teach  us  to  acknowledge 
God  in  all  our  ways  j  and  to  lead  us  to  Christ,  who  descended 
from  Ruth ;  a  part  of  whose  genealogy  concludes  the  book :  See 
Matt.  i.  5.  In  the  first  chapter,  we  have  an  account  of  the  afflic- 
tions of  Naomi  and  Euth.  2.  Of  their  industry  and  humility. 
3.  Of  their  being  brought  into  an  alliance  with  Boaz.  4.  Their 
happy  settlement. 

Let  us  follow  Christ  as  Euth  followed  Naomi ;  and  then,  like 
her,  we  shall  not  lose  our  reward :  See  chap.  i.  16,  17 :  and  then 
say  the  same  of  Christ. 

1  SAMUEL. 

This  book  contains  the  history  of  about  eighty  years  —  the 
prayer  of  Hannah  —  the  birth  of  Samuel  —  the  destruction  of 
Eli's  house  —  the  Israelites  requiring  a  king  —  the  anointing 
of  Saul  —  and  of  David  —  the  persecutions  of  David  —  and  the 
death  of  Saul  and  his  sons.  And  from  the  whole  we  may  learn 
the  great  difference  that  is  made  by  true  religion.  Compare  the 
conduct  and  end  of  Saul  with  that  of  David ;  and  the  behavior 
of  Eli's  sons  with  that  of  Samuel. 

From  the  history  of  Eli,  Samuel,  and  David,  we  may  learn,  that 
it  is  through  much  tribulation  we  must  enter  the  kingdom  of 
heaven.  See  Acts  xiv.  22.  And  in  Eli's  sons,  Saul,  and  Nabal, 
we  may  observe,  that  sin  is  the  high-road  to  ruin,  misery,  and 
death.  But  above  all,  let  your  eye  of  faith  be  fixed  on  Christ,  of 
whom  David  was  a  type ;  and  by  looking  at  the  oppositions  — 
afflictions  —  persecutions  —  deliverances  —  and  final  triumph  of 
David,  you  may  be  enabled  to  see  much  of  your  Saviour;  and 
learn  that  his  grace  has  ever  been  sufficient  for  all  who  have  put 
their  trust  in  him. 

2  SAMUEL. 

In  this  book  we  are  furnished  with  a  history  of  the  reign  of 
David  for  about  forty  years.  It  gives  an  account  of  his  accession 
to  the  throne  —  his  victories  —  and  his  attempts  to  promote 
religion.  Chapter  11.  Contains  the  account  of  David's  sin  in  the 
case  of  Uriah.  12.  Nathan's  parable  of  the  ewe-lamb,  and  birth 
of  Solomon.    13.  Amnon  ravishes  Tamar,    14  to  19.  The  rebel- 


1  KIKGS  —  2  KINGS. 


321 


lion  of  Absalom.  20.  Eebellion  of  Sheba.   21.  Three  years  famine 

—  Saul's  seven  sons  hanged  —  the  bones  of  Saul  and  J onathan 
are  buried.  24.  The  plague  in  consequence  of  David's  com- 
pelling Joab  to  number  the  people  —  and  his  deep  repentance  of 
his  sin. 

In  David's  fall,  we  may  easily  discover  the  strength  and  prev- 
alence of  man's  corruption ;  and  in  his  recovery  the  extent  and 
efficacy  of  divine  grace.  It  is  probable  that  Samuel  wrote  the 
history  of  his  own  time ;  and  tha,t,  after  his  death,  some  of  the 
prophets  that  were  with  David  continued  it.  David's  reign  pre- 
figures the  reign  of  Christ.    See  Eom.  xv.  4 ;  Luke  i.  31-33. 

1  KINGS. 

This  book  contains  the  history  of  126  years.  In  chapter  1. 
We  have  an  account  of  Solomon's  appointment  to  the  throne.  2. 
Of  David's  death.  3  to  10.  The  glorious  reign  of  Solomon  —  the 
building  of  the  temple  —  the  Queen  of  Sheba's  admiration  of 
Solomon's  wisdom  —  his  gold  —  and  his  chariots.  11.  The  cloud 
behind  which  Solomon's  sun  went  down.  12  to  14.  The  divisions 
in  the  kingdom  in  the  reign  of  Eehoboam — his  and  Jeroboam's 
reign.  (From  the  time  the  kingdom  was  divided,  the  ten  tribes 
were  called  Israel ;  and  the  two  tribes  of  the  kingdom,  of  Judah 
were  called  Jews,)  15,  16.  The  reigns  of  Abijah  and  Asa  over 
Judah  —  and  Baasha  and  Omri  over  Israel.  17  to  22.  An  account 
of  Elijah's  miracles  —  Ahab's  success  —  wickedness  —  and  fall. 

From  the  whole,  it  is  evident  that  kings  are  but  men;  and,  as 
such,  are  mortal  and  accountable.  However  we  may  look  upon 
Solomon's  person,  his  quiet  reign  seems  to  be  a  type  of  the  peace- 
ful reign  of  the  Eedeemer.  There  can  be  no  doubt  of  the  temple 
itself,  wherein  sacrifices  were  offered,  being  a  figure  of  the  church 
of  Christ.  When  Israel  followed  the  Lord,  it  went  well  with 
them,  but  no  longer. 

2  KINGS. 

We  have  in  this  book  the  history  of  344  years.  Chapters  1 
and  2  contain  the  account  of  Elijah's  fetching  fire  from  heaven 

—  and  ascending  in  a  chariot  of  fire  to  heaven.    3  to  7.  The 


322 


1  CHRONICLES  —  2  CHRONICLES. 


many  miracles  of  Elisha.  8  to  10.  Of  the  anointing  of  Hazael 
and  Jehu  —  the  former  for  the  correction  of  Israel  —  and  the  lat- 
ter for  the  destruction  of  the  house  of  wicked  Ahab.  11  to  16. 
The  reigns  of  the  several  kings  of  Judah  and  Israel.  17.  The 
captivity  of  the  ten  tribes.  18  to  20.  The  glorious  reign  of  good 
old  Hezekiah  —  his  sickness  —  prayer  and  death.  21.  Manasseh's 
wicked  reign  and  death.  22.  Josiah's  good  reign.  23  to  25. 
Josiah's  death  —  the  siege  and  destruction  of  Jerusalem  by  the 
king  of  Babylon.  The  ten  tribes  of  Israel,  for  their  wickedness, 
were  carried  captive  to  Assyria.  And  about  160  years  afterward, 
Judah  was  carried  captive  to  Babylon. 

We  may  learn  from  the  whole,  that,  while  righteousness  exalte th 
a  nation,  sin  is  a  disgrace  to  any  people.  Observe  the  faithful- 
ness and  goodness  of  God. 

1  CHRONICLES. 

In  the  first  nine  chapters  of  this  first  book  of  Chronicles,  we 
have  a  collection  of  sacred  genealogies  from  Adam  to  David ;  with 
many  other  short,  but  useful  passages,  not  before  inserted.  From 
10  to  21,  we  have  a  repetition  of  the  removal  of  the  kingdom 
from  Saul  to  David — of  David's  reign  —  his  victories  —  and  his 
sin  in  numbering  the  people,  which  caused  the  death  of  70,000  — 
and  the  staying  of  the  plague.  20  to  29.  An  original  account  of 
David's  settling  the  church  affairs  —  and  the  preparations  he 
made  for  building  the  temple. 

The  genealogies  are  of  importance,  to  prove  that  Christ  came 
of  the  seed  of  Abraham.  And  David  is  a  bright  example  of  zeal 
and  piety ;  though  not  without  some  spots,  which  show  the  best 
of  men  to  be  but  mortal. 

2  CHRONICLES. 

The  first  nine  chapters  of  this  book  contain  an  account  of  Sol- 
omon's peaceful  reign  —  his  greatness  —  his  laborers  for  building 
the  temple  —  the  place  and  time  of  building  the  temple  —  the 
dedicated  treasures  —  the  queen  of  Sheba's  admiration  of  Solo- 
mon's wisdom  —  his  gold — his  chariots  and  horses.  10  to  12. 
The  reproachful  reign  of  Kehoboam.    13.  The  three  years'  reign 


EZRA. 


323 


of  Abijah.  14  to  16.  The  long  and  comfortable  reign  of  Asa.  17 
to  20.  The  pious  and  successful  reign  of  Jehoshaphat.  21,  22. 
The  wicked  and  short  reigns  of  Jehoram  and  Ahaziah.  23. 
Jehoiada  restores  the  worship  of  God.  24,  25.  The  reigns  of 
Joash  and  Amaziah  —  their  falling  to  idolatry  — and  deaths.  26. 
The  long  and  prosperous  reign  of  Uzziah ;  who,  for  invading  the 
priest's  office,  was  smitten  with  a  leprosy.  27.  The  orderly  and 
prosperous  reign  of  Jotham.  28.  The  impious  reign  of  Ahaz. 
29  to  32.  The  pious  and  glorious  reign  of  good  Hezekiah  —  and 
destruction  of  the  Assyrian  host  by  an  angel  of  the  Lord  — 
Hezekiah's  death — and  Manasseh's  accession  to  the  throne.  33. 
The  infamous  reigns  of  Manasseh  and  Amon.  34,  35.  The  good 
reign  of  Josiah.  36.  The  destructive  reigns  of  the  sons  of 
Josiah. 

In  the  two  books  of  Chronicles,  w^e  have  a  general  view  of  the 
vAole  history  from  the  Creation  to  the  return  of  the  Babylonish 
captivity ;  in  all,  about  3468  years.  The  whole  history  is  con- 
fined to  the  kings  of  J udah. 

EZRA. 

The  history  of  this  book  is  the  accomplishment  of  Jeremiah's 
prediction  concerning  the  return  of  the  Jews  out  of  Babylon, 
after  70  years'  captivity.  Ezra,  whose  name  signifies  a  helper*, 
preserved  the  records  of  that  great  revolution,  and  transmitted 
them  to  the  church  in  this  book.  In  chapters  1,  2,  we  have  the 
account  of  their  return  from  Babylon.  3  to  7.  Of  the  rebuilding 
of  the  temple  —  the  oppositions  made  by  their  enemies  —  its  com- 
pletion, and  dedication.  7,  8.  Of  Ezra's  coming  to  Jerusalem  with 
the  commission  of  the  king  Artaxerxes  —  and  of  Ezra's  compan- 
ions who  came  with  him.  9,  10.  Of  the  great  service  Ezra  was 
to  the  people  —  his  compelling  those  who  had  married  strange 
wives  to  put  them  away  —  his  mourning  —  prayer,  and  confes- 
sion. 

This  book  gives  the  history  of  about  80  years ;  and  shows  the 
benefit  of  afflictions  to  those,  who,  like  the  Jews  in  their  captivity, 
seek  after  God.  It  ought  also  to  excite  us  to  be  more  than  ever 
zealous  in  the  cause  of  God,  however  we  may  be  persecuted  and 


324 


NEHEMIAH  —  ESTHER. 


depressed;  seeing  that  they  who  trust  in  Him  will  in  the  end 
triumph. 

NEHEMIAH. 

Nehemiah^  whose  name  signifies  consolation,  was  governor 
of  Judeah  for  twelve  years,  under  Artaxerxes  king  of  Persia. 
Chapters  1  and  2,  inform  us  of  the  great  concern  Nehemiah  had 
for  Jerusalem  —  and  the  commission  he  received  from,  the  king 
to  go  thither.  3;,  4.  The  great  opposition  he  had  to  contend  with 
in  building  the  wall  of  Jerusalem.  5.  The  manner  in  which  he 
redressed  the  grievance  of  his  people.  6.  The  finishing  of  the 
wall,  to  the  terror  and  confusion  of  their  enemies.  7.  His  account 
of  the  people  with  their  substance.  8  to  10.  The  solemn  duties 
he  called  the  people  to.  11.  The  choosing  of  the  rulers  —  and  a 
catalogue  of  their  names.  13.  The  names  of  the  priests  and 
levites  —  the  dedication  of  the  walls.  13.  His  great  zeal  in 
reforming  different  abuses. 

This  truly  pious  man  probably  wrote  his  own  history;  and 
after  he  had  governed  the  Jewish  state  about  thirty-six  years  he 
died,  about  A.M.  3595.  The  great  love  that  he  bore  to  his 
afflicted  brethren  is  a  pattern  we  should  imitate. 

ESTHER. 

Although  the  name  of  God  is  not  in  this  book,  the  Jiaiid  of 
God  is  plainly  to  be  seen  all  through  it.  Esther,  whose  name 
signifies  secret,  gives  an  account  of  a  most  remarkable  interposi- 
tion of  Divine  Providence  on  the  behalf  of  those  Jews  who  were 
scattered  abroad  among  the  heathen.  The  history  is  continued 
through  a  period  of  about  20  years.  We  are  informed  in  chapters 
1  and  2,  how  Esther  came  to  be  queen,  and  Mordecai  to  be  so 
highly  honored  at  court.  3.  The  cause  of  Haman's  hatred  —  and 
the  arts  by  which  he  obtained  an  order  to  destroy  all  the  J ews. 
4.  The  great  distress  of  the  Jews  on  account  thereof.  5  to  7. 
Haman's  particular  plot  to  take  the  life  of  Mordecai  defeated  — 
and  himself  hung  upon  the  lofty  gallows  he  had  erected  for  Mor- 
decai. 8.  The  defeating  of  the  general  plot  against  the  Jews  — 
Mor^ecai's  honor  and  the  Jews'  rejoicing.    9,  10.  The  hanging  of 


JOB. 


325 


Haman's  sons  —  and  the  care  that  was  taken  to  perpetuate  the 
remembrance  of  this  deliverance. 

It  is  a  matter  of  great  uncertainty  who  wrote  this  sacred  story ; 
but  perhaps  none  were  better  qualified  to  do  it  than  Mordecai 
himself.  Various  were  the  links  in  the  chain  with  which  this 
deliverance  was  effected ;  and  the  whole  goes  to  prove^  that,  "  the 
eyes  of  the  Lord  are  upon  the  righteous^  and  his  ears  are  open  to 
their  cry:^^  Ps.  xxxiv.  15.  ^^He  taketh  the  wise  in  their  own 
craftiness.''    Job  v.  13 ;  1  Cor.  iii.  10. 

JOB. 

Job,  whose  name  signifies  he  that  weeps,  was  a  celebrated  inhab- 
itant of  the  land  of  TJz ;  and  is  supposed  to  have  lived  before 
Moses.  But  that  he  did  live  is  quite  certain ;  for  God  mentions 
him  as  a  righteous  man,  together  with  Noah  and  Daniel :  Ezek. 
xiv.  14,  20.  And  the  apostle  James  speaks  of  his  patience  and 
happy  end:  James  v.  11.  This  book  stands  unconnected  with 
any  other ;  and  may  be  considered  doctrinal,  though  the  dialogues 
are  poetical;  and  it  is  called  one  of  the poeticcd  books.  It  contains 
an  account  of  Job's  heavy  afflictions,  and  his  great  patience  under 
them ;  his  deliverance  from  them,  and  happy  end. 

The  first  chapter  informs  us  of  the  piety,  riches,  and  religious 
care  of  Job  for  his  children  —  of  the  loss  of  his  goods  and  chil- 
dren—  his  mourning,  and  blessing  God.  2.  Of  his  sore  bodily 
affliction  —  his  wife's  telling  him  to  curse  God.  3.  He  complains 
of  life  because  of  his  anguish.  His  chief  friends  during  his  afflic- 
tions, were,  Eliphaz  the  Tenianite,  Bildad  the  Shuhite,  Zophar 
the  Naamathite,  and  a  young  man  named  Elihu.  Long  confer- 
ences were  held  between  them  ;  and  though  they  mistook  Job's 
case,  and  charged  him  with  hypocrisy,  they  gave  many  excellent 
advices  to  duty,  and  intermingled  many  useful  hints  concerning 
God.  Elihu's  discourse  in  chapters  32  to  42,  appears  to  have  had 
the  best  effect  upon  Job's  mind.  He  humbles  himself  to  God, 
who  stirs  him  up  to  show  his  righteousness,  power,  and  wisdom. 

Job's  troubles  were  no  sooner  removed,  than  his  friends  came 
in  from  every  quarter  with  presents ;  and  it  was  not  long  before 
his  riches  were  double  what  they  had  formerly  been.    As  God 


326 


PSALMS. 


found  no  fault  with  Elihu,  it  appears  that  what  he  said  was  true ; 
and  from  his  finding  fault  with  Job  and  his  other  friends  for 
their  speeches,  it  is  evident,  also,  that  we  must  not  look  to  them 
as  a  perfect  standard  for  our  faith  and  practice ;  but  must  let 
other  parts  of  Scripture  determine  how  far  we  are  to  follow  them. 
We  may  consider  Job  as  a  patient  sufferer ;  and  imitate  his  faith 
in  the  Eedeemer.  See  Job  xix.  23  to  29.  If  we  look  upon  him 
as  a  type  of  Christ,  and  he  appears  to  be  a  very  striking  one,  we 
may  well  exclaim.  How  rich  was  he  who  for  our  sakes  became 
poor,  that  we  through  his  poverty  might  be  rich !  2  Cor.  viii. 
9.  How  great  were  his  sufferings  from  God!  Eom.  viii.  32. 
How  greatly  was  he  tried  by  Satan !  Matt.  iv.  1  to  11.  How 
falsely  accused  and  insulted  by  men !  Luke  xxiii.  How  surpris- 
ingly great  his  patience  and  resignation !  Matt.  xxvi.  42.  How 
highly  exalted  after  his  humiliation  and  suffering !  Phil.  ii.  6-11. 
How  numerous  and  honorable  his  family,  after  his  poverty  and 
affliction !  Heb.  ii.  9-13.  It  will  be  well  for  us,  in  all  things  to 
imitate  Job,  as  far  as  he  resembles  our  dear  Eedeemer,  who  has 
commanded  us  to  learn  of  him. 

PSALMS. 

This  book  is  one  of  the  most  extensive  and  useful  in  the  Bible. 
The  Psalms  were  composed  by  different  persons,  and  at  different 
times  ;  and  there  can  be  no  doubt  of  David's  having  composed 
most  of  them.  They  contain  the  sum  of  the  whole  Bible ;  and 
are  suited  to  every  case  and  condition  of  the  saints.  And  in 
order  to  assist  you  in  finding  those  that  will  be  best  suited  to 
your  case,  I  have  given  the  following  list  of  the  Psalms  : 

Psalms  describing  the  majesty,  power,  glory,  and  other  attri- 
butes of  God  — 8,  19,  24,  29,  33,  47,  50,  65,  66,  76,  77,  93,  95,  96, 
97,  99,  104,  111,  113,  114,  115,  134,  139,  147,  148. 

Penitential  prayers  are  found  in  6,  32,  38,  51,  102,  130,  143, 

Prayers  for  pardon  of  sin  —  25,  38,  51,  130. 

Prayers  for  God's  help  — 7,  17,  26,  35,  44. 

Prayers  when  lawfully  detained  from  public  worship  —  42,  43, 
63,  84. 

Prayers  when  cast  down  by  affliction  — 13;,  22,  69^  77,  88,  143. 


PSALMS. 


327 


Prayers  when  laboring  under  persecutions  or  afflictions — 44,  60, 
74,  79,  80,  83,  89,  94,  102,  123,  137. 

Confidence  in  God  in  afflictions  —  3,  16,  27,  31,  54,  66,  57,  61, 
62,  71,  86. 

Confidence  in  God  when  in  trouble  —  4,  5,  11,  28,  41,  55,  59, 
64,  79,  109,  120,  140,  142. 

Intercession  — 20,  67,  122,  132,  144. 

Psalms  of  adoration  and  praise,  exhibiting  God's  love,  mercy, 
and  goodness  to  his  people  — 23,  34,  36,  91,  100,  103,  107,  117, 
121,  145,  146,  150. 

The  characters  of  good  and  bad  men — their  happiness  ^nd 
misery— 1,  5,  7,  9,  10,  11,  12,  14,  15,  17,  24,  25,  32,  34,  36,  37,  50, 
52,  53,  58,  73,  75,  84,  91,  92,  94,  112,  119,  121,  125,  127,  128,  133. 

The  vanity  of  human  life— 39,  49,  90. 

Humility— 131. 

The  excellency  of  God's  law  — 19,  119. 
Advice  to  judges  —  82,  101. 
Historical  — 78,  105,  106. 

Prophetical  — 2,  16,  22,  40,  45,  68,  72,  87,  100,  118. 

Psalms  of  thanksgiving  for  mercies  to  particular  persons  —  9, 
18,  22,  30,  34,  40,  75,  103,  108,  116,  118,  138,  144. 

To  the  Israelites— 46,  48,  65,  66,  68,  76,  81,  85,  98,  105,  124, 
126,  129,  135,  136,  149. 

This  book  is  referred  to  in  Luke  xxiv.  44 ;  and  is  there  called 
'^the  PsalmsJ^  The  apostle  Peter  calls  it  ''the  Book  of  Psalms 
Acts  i.  20.  Some  of  the  Psalms  tliat  have  not  David's  name  in 
their  title,  are  elsewhere  ascribed  to  him ;  as  Ps.  ii..  Acts  iv.  25 ; 
and  Psalms  xcvi.  and  cv.,  1  Chron.  xvi.  7.  David  was  a  type  of 
Christ,  as  was  the  Jewish  nation  of  God's  worshipping  people 
—  and  their  Canaan,  of  that  rest  into  which  we  enter  by  believ- 
ing in  Jesus,  our  Joshua. 

All  acquaintance  with  the  two  books  of  Chronicles  will  greatly 
assist  you  in  the  studying  of  the  Psalms ;  for  there  you  have  the 
history  of  the  writer  of  them.  And  the  more  you  become  ac- 
quainted with  experimental  religion,  the  more  highly  will  you 
prize  the  book  of  Psalms.  Por  whatever  the  situation  might  be  in 
which  you  may  be  placed,  you  may  always  meet  with  something 


328 


PROVEBBS  —  ECCLESIASTES. 


in  this  book  adapted  to  your  case.  And  whatever  may  be  youi 
errand  at  a  throne  of  grace,  you  may  from  thence  derive  some- 
thing to  assist  you  in  the  delivery  of  it ;  and  always  find  a  running 
stream  to  quench  your  thirst,  and  cheer  your  soul, 

PROVERBS. 

Solomon  spake  three  thousand  proverbs ;  and  his  Songs  were 
a  thousand  and  five:  1  Kings  iv.  32.  The  most  part  of  this 
book  consists  of  short,  independent  sentences,  spoken  by  Solomon, 
the  wisest  of  men.  It  is  generally  supposed  that  Solomon,  whose 
name  signifies  peaceable^  wrote  this  book  of  proverbs  about  the 
middle  of  his  life,  when  his  understanding  was  in  full  vigor  and 
under  the  inspiration  of  the  Spirit  of  truth.  This  book  abounds 
with  short  sentences  generally  understood,  easily  remembered, 
and  not  difficult  to  practise.  Many  have  not  always  leisure  to 
read,  or  penetration  to  comprehend  long  discourses ;  but  proverbs 
neither  burden  the  memory,  nor  puzzle  the  understanding. 

The  latter  part  of  the  first  chapter  exhibits  the  gospel-call  — 
and  the  awful  calamities  brought  upon  the  Jews,  and  others,  by 
rejecting  it.  The  eighth,  and  former  part  of  the  ninth  chapters, 
represent  Jesus  Christ  in  his  person,  office,  and  benefits.  The 
rest  of  the  book  relates,  in  general,  to  moral  virtues  and  their 
contrary  vices.  This  book  stands  unrivalled  for  wise  speeches 
and  wholesome  advices.  And  it  is  a  sad  reflection  upon  the 
writer  of  such  a  book,  having  so  awfully  apostatized  from  God 
in  his  old  age;  and  should  be  a  warning  to  those  who  are  the 
most  useful,  never  to  grow  proud,  or  think  themselves  secure. 
And  as  God  made  use  of  him  as  a  pe^^,  in  making  known  His 
will  to  us,  we  should  never  think  the  worse  of,  but  attend  to.  the 
instructions  given.  We  have  a  short,  but  sad,  account  of  his 
abominable  conduct  and  doubtful  end,  in  the  eleventh  chapter  of 
the  first  book  of  Kings,    Tell  it  not  in  Gath!''  2  Sam.  i.  20. 

ECCLESIASTES. 

Solomon,  in  the  title  of  this  book,  writes  himself  ''the  son  of 
David,  King  of  Jerusalem ;  perhaps  on  account  of  his  influence 
being  less  over  the  ten  tribes,  than  what  it  was  at  the  time  he 


solomok's  song. 


329 


wrote  his  book  of  Proverbs;  for  there  he  writes  himself  'Ulte 
King  of  Israel  Prov.  i.  1.  This  book  appears  to  have  been 
written  in  his  old  age ;  after  he  had  in  vain  tried  to  find  satisfac- 
tion in  the  wealth,  honor,  and  pleasures  of  the  world,  and  the 
gratification  of  every  sense.  By  some  this  book  is  called  ''peni- 
tential;^^ but  to  me,  it  looks  like  a  penitential;  that  is,  a  book 
directing  the  degrees  of  penance,  rather  than  one  expressing 
penitence. 

No  one  ever  possessed  the  advantages  that  Solomon  did,  for 
proving  that  no  created  good  can  satisfy  an  immortal  soul ;  and 
that  real  happiness  is  to  be  found  in  God  alone ;  and  the  con- 
clusions here  given  us,  he  has  drawn  from  his  own  experience. 
In  the  first  chapter  he  shows,  that  all  human  courses  are  vain. 
2.  That  one  event  happeneth  to  the  wise  and  the  foolish,  yet  one 
is  better  than  the  other.  3.  There  is  a  time  to  every  purpose. 
4.  How  vanity  is  increased.  5.  Vanity  in  murmuring,  oppression, 
and  riches.  6.  Vanity  of  riches  without  use.  7.  The  remedies 
against  vanity  are  a  good  name  —  mortification  —  patience  — and 
wisdom.  8.  It  is  well  with  the  godly.  9.  Like  things  happen 
to  all — Grod's  providence  over  all — wisdom  is  better  than  strength. 
10.  Observations  on  wisdom  and  folly.  11.  The  day  of  judg- 
ment to  be  thought  of  in  youth.  12.  God  should  be  sought  early  ; 
as  an  early  consideration  of  divine  things  is  the  only  infallible 
remedy  against  vanity. 

Attend  to  the  preacher's  godly  directions  ;  but  imitate  none  of 
his  ungodly  actions  :  for,  though  Solomon  was  the  writer,  God 
was  the  Dictator. 

Solomon's  song. 

This  book  is  an  allegory,  written  by  Solomon,  and  is  commonly 
understood  to  represent  the  mutual  love  of  Christ  and  his  Church, 
under  the  endearing  and  well-known  figure  of  a  bridegroom  and 
bride.  Many  strange  opinions  have  been  given  of  it ;  and  to  such 
as  read  it  with  a  carnal,  and  especially  a  wanton  mind,  it  is  the 
savor  of  death  unto  death.  Some  have  supposed  that  he  wrote 
it  while  very  young ;  —  long  before  his  book  of  Proverbs.  It  is 
called  a  song  of  songs;  —  and  we  are  constrained  to  acknowledge, 


830 


ISAIAH. 


that  Solomon^  songs  are  very  unlike  those  of  his  father  David. 
The  name  of  God  is  not  once  mentioned  throughout  the  whole  of 
this  book ;  nor  was  it  introduced  as  the  other  books  of  Scripture 
were,  by  vision ;  nor  any  other  mark  of  immediate  revelation 
neither  does  it  contain  any  expression  of  natural  religion ;  —  nor 
is  there  any  part  of  it  ever  quoted  by  any  of  the  New-Testament 
writers.  The  advice  given  by  the  Jewish  doctors  to  their  young 
people,  was,  not  to  read  it  till  they  were  thirty  years  of  age;  lest, 
by  reading  it  with  corrupt  minds,  they  should  suck  out  poison 
instead  of  food  and  medicine.  But,  admitting  it  to  be  Scripture, 
we  are  assured  of  its  being  given  by  inspiration,  and  that  for  our 
profit :  2  Tim.  iii.  16.  It  might  very  easily  be  taken  in  a  spirit- 
ual sense  by  those  for  whom  it  was  first  composed ;  viz.  the  Jews ; 
but  more  especially  by  the  Christian  church,  who  have  much 
clearer  displays  of  divine  love  under  the  gospel,  than  what  they 
had  under  the  law. 

God  sometimes  spake  of  himself  to  the  Jewish  church  as  a 
Husband :  Isa.  liv.  5 ;  Hos.  ii.  16,  19 ;  and  rejoiced  in  the  same 
as  his  bride :  Isa.  Ixii.  4,  5.  But  more  frequently  is  Christ  spoken 
of  as  a  Bridegroom  :  Matt.  xxv.  1 ;  Kom.  vii.  4;  2  Cor.  xi.  2  ;  Eph. 
V.  32  ;  and  the  church  as  the  bride,  the  Lamb's  wife  :  Eev.  xix.  7  ; 
xxi.  2,  9.  It  is  impossible  for  any  unconverted  person  rightly 
to  understand  this  book ;  but  those  who  can  truly  say  of  Christ 
this  is  my  heloved,^^  and  consider  him  to  be  ''the  fairest  among 
ten  thousands  and  altogether  lovely,''^  may  read  it  to  advantage. 

ISAIAH. 

This  and  the  fifteen  following  books  are  prophetical;  they 
abound  with  figures  borrowed  from  nature.  The  sun,  moon,  and 
stars,  are  frequently  made  use  of  to  represent  kings,  queens,  and 
others  in  authority ;  mountains  and  hills,  to  set  forth  kingdoms 
and  cities  ;  marriages  to  show  God's  covenant-love ;  and  adultery, 
departure  from  God. 

A  prophet  is  one  who  has  an  intimacy  with,  and  an  interest  in 
heaven ;  and,  consequently,  a  commanding  authority  upon  earth. 
Prophecy  is  put  for  the  whole  of  revelation :  2  Pet.  i.  20,  21.  It 
will  greatly  assist  you  in  studying  the  writings  of  any  prophet, 


JEREMIAH. 


331 


to  read  those  chapters  in  the  historical  books  which  give  an 
account  of  the  times  in  which  that  prophet  lived.  You  will  find 
the  history  of  the  times  in  which  Isaiah  lived,  in  2  Kings,  chap, 
xiv.  to  XX.,  and  2  Chron.  xxvi.  to  xxxiii.  He  began  his  predic- 
tions in  the  reign  of  Uzziahy  and  prophesied  to  Hezekiali;  for 
about  60  years.  He  has  very  fitly  been  called  the  Evangelical 
Prophet ;  on  account  of  his  so  fully  describing  the  Saviour.  He 
prophesied  of  the  Eedeemer  between  7  and  800  years  before  he 
came  into  the  world ;  notwithstanding,  his  predictions  give  as 
minute  a  description  of  him,  as  though  he  had  been  an  eye-witness 
to  the  whole.  His  chief  scope  appears  to  have  been  the  foretell* 
ing  of  the  incarnation,  sufferings  and  glory,  of  the  Messiah ;  * — 
the  erection  of  his  church  among  the  Gentiles; — the  rejectioD 
of  the  Jews,  and  their  final  restoration. 

In  chapters  7  and  14,  he  speaks  of  the  Saviour's  birth.  53.  01 
his  sufferings  and  death.  52  and  54.  Of  his  kingdom  and  glory. 
He  was  a  very  faithful  prophet ;  though,  it  appears,  not  a  very 
successful  one :  Isa.  xlix.  1-5.  He  labored  hard  for  about  60 
years;  and  is  supposed  to  have  been  sawn  asunder,  about  the 
beginning  of  Manasseh's  wicked  reign:  Heb.  xi.  37.  His  name 
signifies  salvation  of  the  Lord 

JEREMIAH. 

The  name  of  this  prophet  signifies  exaltation  or  grandeur  of  the 
Lord.  He  began  his  work  in  the  thirteenth  year  of  Josiah  ;  and 
continued  it  about  forty  years.  We  have  the  history  of  the  times 
in  which  he  lived  recorded  in  2  Kings  xxiii.  to  xxv.,  and  2  Chron. 
xxxiv.,  xxxvi. 

The  first  part  of  this  prophecy  chiefly  consists  of  a  mixture  ol 
severe  censures  against  the  sins  of  the  Jews ;  and  awful  threat 
enings  of  heavy  judgments,  with  some  calls  to  repentance  ;  ana 
complaints  of  his  own  heavy  afflictions.  He  began  when  young, 
and  continued  long  a  prophet ;  some  say  fifty  years  ;  and  others 
forty.  That  he  was  called  to  suffer  much  we  cannot  doubt; 
hence,  he  is  called  the  "  weeping  prophet.^''  But  where,  or  how,  he 
died,  is  not  certain;  though  some  have  supposed,  that  he  was 
stoned  to  death.    The  last  chapter  of  this  book  does  not  appear 


332 


LAMENTATIONS  —  EZEKIEL. 


to  have  been  written  by  Jeremiah,  but  by  some  other  person 
divinely  inspired  among  those  who  were  in  captivity. 

LAMENTATIONS. 

This  book  was  written  by  the  prophet  Jeremiah,  who  com- 
posed his  lamentations  on  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem.  They 
consist  of  five  chapters.  In  chapters  1  and  2,  he  laments  the 
miseries  of  the  siege.  3.  His  own  particular  afflictions.  4.  He 
bewails  the  destruction  of  the  city  and  temple  —  the  miseries 
of  all  ranks  —  and  denounces  certain  ruin  upon  the  Edomites,  for 
their  cruelty.  5.  He  further  laments  the  direful  effects  of  the 
famine  to  which  they  wei  3  reduced  by  the  siege  —  and  prays  for 
their  deliverance. 

The  whole  of  the  book  is  very  pathetic,  and  seems  as  though 
every  word  had  been  wrung  from  a  broken  heart  and  written 
with  a  tear.  In  2  Chron.  xxxv.  25,  we  are  told  that  Jeremiah 
wrote  some  lamentations  on  the  death  of  JosiaJi :  but  it  appears 
they  have  been  lost ;  for  it  is  evident,  these  were  written  on  the 
destruction  of  Judah  and  Jerusalem  by  the  Chaldeans'  army. 
The  Evangelist,  Matthew,  xxvii.  9,  ascribes  to  Jeremiah  a  proph- 
ecy found  in  Zechariah  xi.  12,  13.  Jeremiah  might  have  uttered 
that  prediction,  —  Matthew  does  not  say  he  tvi^ote  it,  —  and  Zech- 
ariah might  have  repeated  it ;  or,  as  Jeremiah  formerly  stood  in 
the  front  of  the  prophetic  writings,  the  Jews  might  have  called 
the  whole  book  by  his  name ;  as  the  books  of  Moses  were  called 
by  their  j^rs^  word. 

EZEKIEL. 

Ezekiel's  name  bespeaks  his  having  strength  of  God;  and  it  is 
evident,  that  as  God  gave  him  his  commission,  so  he  gave  him 
strength  to  execute  it.  He  wrote  his  prophecies  at  Babylon ;  and 
the  history  of  the  times  in  which  he  lived  you  will  find  in  2 
Chron.  xxxvi.  and  2  Kings  xxiv.  and  xxv.  There  is  much  in  this 
book  hard  to  be  understood;  the  waters  run  so  deep  that  the 
tallest  soon  get  out  of  their  depth ;  however,  we  may  swim  in  it, 
though  we  cannot  ford  through  it,  and  may  profit  by  it.  His  vis- 
ions may  be  obscure,  but  his  preaching  is  so  plain  that  none  need 


DANIEL. 


333 


mistake  it.  The  beginning  and  latter  end  of  this  book  appear  to 
be  the  most  mysterious  ;  and  though^  like  the  book  of  nature,  it 
cannot  be  all  understood,  much  may  be  gathered  to  strengthen 
our  faith,  and  encourage  our  hope  in  God,  whose  ways  and 
thoughts  are  not  ours. 

This  prophet  foretells  the  awful  calamities  that  were  hanging 
over  Judea — predicts  the  ruin  of  those  nations  which  had  insulted 
the  Jews  in  their  afflictions  —  exhorts  them  to  repentance  —  com^ 
forts  them  with  promises  of  deliverance  —  and  foretells  the  future 
glory  of  the  church,  under  the  figure  of  a  new  temple.  He  began 
his  predictions  in  the  fifth  year  of  Jehoiakim^s  captivity,  and 
continued  about  nineteen  years.  It  is  supposed  that  he  was  put 
to  death  by  the  captives  in  Babylon,  for  faithfully  reproving 
them ;  and  that  he  was  dragged  along  the  stones  till  his  brains 
were  dashed  out. 

DANIEL. 

This  prophet  was  of  the  royal  family  of  Judah,  and  was  car- 
ried captive  to  Babylon  with  others  ;  and  it  was  under  the  cap- 
tivity that  he  prophesied.  ^  God  speaks  of  him  as  one  of  those 
who  had  the  greatest  interest  in  heaven :  Ezek.  xiv.  14.  He  lived 
a  long  and  active  life ;  and  was  in  the  courts  and  councils  of 
some  of  the  greatest  monarchs  that  ever  reigned ;  as  Nebuchad- 
nezzar, Cyrus,  and  Darius.  The  first  six  chapters  of  his  book 
are  historical^  and  are  plain  and  easy ;  but  the  last  six  are  propheti- 
cal, and  contain  many  things  that  are  dark,  and  hard  to  be  under- 
stood ;  but  perhaps  these  prophecies  are  rendered  obscure  from 
the  want  of  a  more  complete  history  of  the  Jewish  nation  from 
Daniel's  time  to  the  coming  of  Christ.  He  foretells  the  time 
when  the  Kedeemer  would  make  his  appearance,  more  exactly 
than  any  other  of  the  prophets.  In  chapter  ix.  24,  he  states  the 
time  at  '^seventy  weeks.^'  A  prophetical  week  is  seven  years; 
reckoning  a  day  for  a  year;  and  which  makes  Daniel's  70  weeks 
490  years;  and  on  this  account  the  Messiah  was  generally 
expected  at  the  time  Christ  made  his  appearance  in  the  world. 
Daniel  (whose  name  signifies  judgment  of  God)  is  supposed  to 
have  died  at  Susan,  in  Persia.  . 


334 


HOSEA  —  JOEL. 


HOSEA. 

HosEA,  and  the  eleven  following,  are  called  '^the  lesser  prophets 
on  account  of  their  writings  being  less  in  bulk  than  the  others ; 
although  it  is  probable  they  preached  as  much  as  the  others. 
HosEA  was  the  first  of  the  writing  prophets  ;  even  before  Isaiah ; 
and  it  appears  that  both  Isaiah  and  Ezekiel  frequently  borrowed 
from  him.  Thus,  being  taught  of  one  Spirit,  the  one  confirms 
what  the  other  has  spoken.  Before  you  study  the  writings  of  this 
prophet,  you  would  do  well  to  carefully  read  the  chapters  here 
referred  to :  2  Kings  xv. ;  2  Chron.  xxvi. ;  xxvii. ;  xxviii.  He 
prophesied  before  the  captivity  for  about  eighty  years,  in  the 
days  of  Jeroboam,  Uzziah,  Jotham,  and  Ahaz,  kings  of  Judah. 
His  prophecies  chiefly  relate  to  the  ten  tribes,  who  were  then  in 
prosperity;  and  whom  he  sharply  charges  with  their  murders, 
uncleanness,  idolatries,  oppression,  and  reliance  on  the  Assyrians  ; 
and  intermingles  a  variety  of  calls  to  a  reformation  of  life ;  with 
a  promise  of  God's  blessing  on  their  repentance.  He  is  very 
brief  in  his  manner  ;  and  to  us,  who  are  unacquainted  with  many 
of  the  ancient  customs,  appears  obscure  in  his  writing.  The 
J ews  reckon  him  to  have  prophesied  nearly  ninety  years ;  and 
the  scope  of  his  discourses  is  to  discover  sin,  and  denounce  the 
judgments  of  God  against  the  obstinately  impenitent.  The  name 
of  Hose  A  signifies  saviour^  or  salvation, 

JOEL. 

It  is  not  easy  to  determine  the  time  when  Joel  prophesied; 
but,  as  he  makes  no  mention  of  the  teyi  tribes,  it  appears  that  he 
prophesied  after  their  captivity ;  and,  perhaps,  in  the  reign  of 
Hezekiah  or  Manasseh.  In  the  first  chapter,  and  former  part 
of  the  second,  he  speaks  of  a  fearful  famine,  occasioned  by  great 
drought,  and  destructive  insects.  2.  He  exhorts  to  repentance  — 
prescribes  a  fast  —  promises  a  blessing  thereon  —  assures  them 
that  their  evils  shall  be  removed  on  their  repentance  and  humilia- 
tion —  and  Zion  comforted  —  the  Holy  Spirit  is  promised  to  be 
poured  out  in  the  latter  days.  And  this  promise  was  fulfilled  in 
the  days  of  the  Apostles :  Acts  ii.    Chapter  3.  He  denounces 


AMOS  —  OBADIAH. 


335 


God's  judgments  against  the  enemies  of  his  people  —  foretells 
the  conversion  and  restoration  of  the  Jews  —  the  ruin  of  their 
enemies  —  and  future  glorious  state  of  the  church. 

To  understand  Scripture,  one  part  must  be  compared  with 
another.  See  now,  2  Kings  xv.  and  2  Chron.  xxvi.  Joel  signi- 
fies he  that  wills,  commands,  or  swears, 

AMOS. 

This  prophet  prophesied  in  the  days  of  Jeroboam,  the  second 
king  of  Israel.  See  chap.  vii.  ver.  10.  Amos  was  a  country 
farmer ;  and  his  name  signifies  a  burden.  He  appeared  a  little 
before  Isaiah  ;  and  was  contemporary  with  Hosea.  He  was  a 
man  faithful  and  bold  in  reproving  sin ;  and  shunned  not  to  de- 
nounce the  judgments  of  God  upon  it.  In  chapters  1  and  2,  he 
threatens,  in  a  most  awful  manner,  those  nations  that  were 
enemies  to  Israel  —  and  complains  of  their  unthankfulness.  3 
and  4.  He  calls  Israel  to  an  account  for  their  oppression  —  idol- 
atry —  and  incorrigibleness.  5.  He  calls  them  to  repentance.  6. 
He  warns  them  of  the  desolations  that  were  coming^  upon  them. 
7.  He  speaks  of  some  particular  judgments,  particularly  on  Ama- 
ziah.  8.  A  famine  of  the  word  is  threatened.  9.  He  declares 
the  certainty  of  the  desolation  —  and  concludes  with  a  promise 
of  the  setting  up  of  Messiah's  kingdom  —  the  Jews'  return  from 
Babylon  —  the  conversion  of  Israel  and  Judah  —  and  their  return 
to  their  own  land.  It  is  probable,  Amos  lived  to  see  a  great  part 
of  his  predictions  fulfilled. 

OBADIAH. 

The  time  when  Ohadiah  lived  is  not  easily  determined ;  but 
when  we  compare  his  predictions  with  those  of  Jeremiah,  chap, 
xlix. ;  Ezekiel  xxv. ;  and  Psalm  cxxxvii. ;  it  appears  to  be  but  a 
short  time  after  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  by  the  Chaldeans. 
His  prophecy  consists  but  of  one  chapter ;  w^herein  Edom  is 
threatened  for  their  spiteful  conduct  in  rejoicing  in,  and  helping 
forward  the  destruction  of  the  Jews  ;  and  concludes  with  a  prom- 
ise of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom  being  set  up.  Scripture  does  not 
inform  us  who  he  was,  when  he  lived,  or  where  he  died.  His 
name  signifies  servant  of  the  Lord. 


336 


JONAH  —  MIC  AH  —  NAHUM. 


JONAH. 

Who  this  prophet  was,  is  not  certain ;  though  we  know  he  was 
the  son  of  Amittai  the  prophet,  which  was  of  Gath-hepher.  See 
2  Kings  xiv.  25,  and  xv.  He  lived  in  the  days  of  Jeroboam,  the 
son  of  Joash,  king  of  Israel.  The  Lord  commanded  him  to  go  to 
Nineveh  and  proclaim  its  ruin ;  and  his  commission  appears  to 
be  the  only  prediction  found  in  his  book ;  "  Yet  forty  days  and 
Nineveh  shall  be  overthrown : "  iii.  4.  The  rest  of  the  book  may 
be  considered  a  relation  of  the  preface  to,  and  the  consequences 
of  that  prediction. 

From  the  whole  we  may  learn,  that  God's  commands  must  be 
obeyed,  regardless  of  all  consequences  —  the  danger  of  disobedi- 
ence —  that,  though  we  may  fly  from  duty,  we  cannot  fly  from 
God  —  the  only  method  of  escaping  ruin,  is  to  repent  of  our  sins. 
It  appears  that  in  Nineveh  there  were  120,000  little  children, 
beside  much  cattle :  chap.  iv.  11.  Jonah's  being  cast  into  the  sea 
and  delivered  from  it,  is  a  well  known  type  of  the  burial  and  res- 
urrection of  Christ.  See  Matt.  xii.  39-41 ;  xvi.  4 ;  Luke  xi.  30, 
32.    Jonah  signifies  a  dove,  though  he  acted  very  unlike  one. 

MICAH. 

This  prophet  prophesied  in  the  days  of  Jotham,  Ahaz,  and 
Hezekiah,  a  period  of  about  fifty  years.  He  assisted  Isaiah,  and 
somewhat  resembles  him  in  his  style.  Compare  Isa.  ii.  2,  3,  with 
Micah  iv.  1,  2.  He  faithfully  reproves  sinners  of  all  ranks,  both 
in  church  and  state ;  and  endeavors  to  comfort  God's  people  with 
promises  of  deliverance.  In  chap.  v.  2,  we  have  a  very  plain  pre- 
diction of  Christ,  which  is  quoted  by  the  chief  priests  and  scribes  : 
Matt.  ii.  5,  6.  He  predicted  the  ruin  of  the  city  and  temple  — 
and  re-establishment  of  the  Jews.  Micah  signifies  poor,  humble, 
Eead  2  Kings  xv.  to  xx.  and  2  Chron.  xxviii.  to  xxxii. 

NAHUM. 

We  cannot  ascertain  at  what  time  Nahum  lived  and  prophesied. 
But  he  is  supposed  to  have  lived  in  the  reigns  of  Hezekiah  and 
Manasseh.    See  2  Kings  xviii.  to  xxi. ;  and  2  Chron.  xxix.  to 


HABAKKUK  —  ZEPHANIAH. 


337 


xxxiii.  He  might  have  said  many  things  relating  to  Israel  and 
Judah,  notwithstanding  we  have  nothing  in  his  writing  of  either ; 
it  is  evident,  Jonah  said  more  than  was  written :  2  Kings  xiv. 
25.  This  prophet  gives  a  lofty,  but  plain  description  of  God  in 
his  goodness  to  his  people,  and  wrath  against  his  enemies  —  de- 
scribes the  ruin  of  Nineveh  and  the  Assyrian  empire.  His  name 
signifies  comforter,  penitent, 

HABAKKUK. 

Habakkuk  prophesied  during  the  reign  of  Manasseh,  and  was 
living  in  the  time  of  Jeremiah.  In  chapter  1,  he  foretells  the  de- 
struction  of  Judeah  and  the  surrounding  countries  by  the  Chal- 
deans, for  their  iniquity.  2.  He  predicts  the  overthrow  of  the 
Chaldeans  for  their  having  overthrown,  oppressed,  and  murdered 
others.  3.  He  trembles  in  his  prayer  —  and  in  a  manner  the  most 
sublime,  celebrates  God's  former  goodness  in  appearing  for  Israel 
—  for  bringing  them  out  of  Egypt,  through  the  Eed  Sea  —  and 
through  the  wilderness  to  Canaan  —  encourages  himself  and  others 
to  trust  in  God,  though  every  visible  mean  fail.  Let  us,  like  him, 
rejoice  in  the  God  of  our  salvation  in  the  worst  of  times.  You 
will  derive  further  assistance  by  reading  attentively  2  Kings  xxi. 
and  2  Chron.  xxxiii.  This  prophet's  name  signifies  lie  that  em- 
braces  or  ivrestles, 

ZEPHANIAH. 

Zephaniah  lived  in  the  days  of  Josiah,  king  of  Judah;  an 
account  of  whose  reign  you  will  find  in  2  Kings  xxii. ;  xxiii. ;  and 
2  Chron.  xxxiv. ;  xxxv.  Chapter  1.  He  reproaches  and  threatens 
the  Jews  for  their  wickedness.  2.  He  earnestly  exhorts  them  to 
repentance,  that  the  threatened  evil  might  be  averted  —  and  pre- 
dicts the  ruin  of  the  Philistines,  Moabites,  Ammonites,  Ethiopi- 
ans, and  Assyrians.  3.  He  reproves  Jerusalem  for  the  wickedness 
found  in  her,  especially  among  her  princes  —  judges,  prophets, 
and  priests  —  and  exhorts  them  to  wait  for  the  restoration  of 
Israel  —  seeing  God  would  work  out  a  glorious  salvation  for 
them,  after  he  had  prepared  them  for  it.  His  name  signifies  tJie 
secret  of  the  Lord  :  Ps.  xxv.  14. 


HAGGAI  —  ZECHAKIAH  —  MALACHI. 


HAGGAI. 

Haggai  began  his  prophecies  about  two  months  before  Zech* 
ariah;  and  after  the  Jews  had  returned  from  their  captivity. 
Read  Ezra  v.  1 ;  vi.  14.  All  the  prophecies  we  have  recorded  by 
this  prophet  were  delivered  in  the  short  space  of  four  months. 
See  chapter  i.  1 ;  and  ii.  1,  10,  20.  He,  together  with  Zechariah, 
greatly  encouraged  their  brethren  to  finish  the  building  of  the 
temple.  He  assured  them  that  the  Messiah  should  come  in  the 
flesh  —  that  the  glory  of  the  latter  house  should  be  greater  than 
that  of  the  former.  See  chap.  ii.  7-9.  The  name  of  Haggai 
signifies  feast,  solemnity, 

ZECHARIAH. 

This  prophet  began  to  prophesy  while  young ;  and  about  two 
months  after  Haggai.  His  preaching  was  plain  and  practical ; 
such  as  was  well  calculated  to  make  a  good  impression  on  his 
hearers.  In  chapter  3,  he  foretells  of  Christ  the  branch.  9.  Zion 
is  exhorted  to  rejoice  for  the  coming  of  Christ  and  his  peaceable 
kingdom.  11.  He  speaks  of  the  rejection  of  Christ,  and  the  price 
for  which  he  was  sold.  13.  Of  the  death  of  Christ.  14.  The 
coming  of  the  Eedeemer  and  the  graces  of  his  kingdom.  His 
name  signifies  what  he  was,  a  man  of  the  Lord. 

MALACHI. 

The  Scriptures  give  us  no  account  who  were  the  parents  of 
this  prophet,  nor  to  what  country  he  belonged.  But  it  appears 
plain,  that  he  prophesied  after  the  second  temple  was  built,  and 
about  397  years  before  the  birth  of  Christ.  In  chapter  1,  after 
reminding  the  J ews  of  the  great  things  God  had  done  for  them, 
and  their  fathers,  he  sharply  reproves  them  for  their  irreligion 
and  profaneness.  2.  He  reproves  the  priests  for  their  neglect  of 
duty  —  and  the  people  for  their  adultery  and  infidelity.  3.  Of 
the  near  approach  —  majesty  —  and  grace  of  the  Messiah  —  re- 
bukes them  for  their  sacrilege  and  blasphemy  —  and  declares  the 
great  regard  that  God  has  for  all  those  who  truly  fear  his  name. 
4,  He  predicts  the  terrible  judgments  that  awaited  those  who 


*^Good  news.''  —  Page  33  9 


TESTAMENT. 


339 


should  reject  the  Messiah  —  and  concludes  by  referring  to  the 
mission  of  John  the  Baptist.    Malachi  signifies  my  angel, 

TESTAMENT. 

The  word  "  testament  "  signifies  the  will  of  a  dying  man  left 
in  writing ;  by  which  he  determines  how  his  property  shall  be 
disposed  of  after  his  death :  Gal.  iii.  15.  And  the  testator  is 
the  deceased  person  who  left  the  testament  or  will.  Jesus  Christ 
is  called  a  Testator,  on  account  of  his  having  bequeathed  to 
sinful  men  his  peace :  John  xiv.  27 ;  together  with  all  the  un- 
searchable riches  of  his  grace  and  glory :  Heb.  ix.  16,  17.  The 
writings  of  Moses  and  the  prophets  are  called  the  Old  Testament; 
and  this  testament  or  will,  was  published  before  the  birth  of  the 
Eedeemer.  Notwithstanding,  it  was  ratified  by  his  typical  death 
in  the  many  sacrifices  that  were  offered ;  and  which  observances 
are  now  entirely  abolished,  or  done  away :  See  2  Cor.  iii.  15 ; 
Heb.  ix.  15. 

The  writings  of  the  Evangelists  and  Apostles  are  called  the  New 
Testament  ;  and  may  be  considered  the  voluntary  act  and  deed 
of  Jesus  Christ,  duly  executed  and  witnessed,  bestowing  lega- 
cies on  such  characters  as  he  has  described ;  and,  being  ratified 
by  the  death  of  the  Testator,  can  never  be  abolished.  The  New 
Testament  is  the  same  in  substance  with  the  Old;  but  is  more 
spiritual,  clear,  efficacious,  and  extensive.  The  wine  in  the  Lord's 
Supper  is  called  the  neiv  testament  in  Christ's  blood,''  Matt.  xxvi. 
28,  because  it  represents  the  blood  which  sealed  the  covenant  God 
has  been  pleased  to  make  with  his  creatures ;  and  all  the  benefits 
and  privileges  of  it  are  owing  to  the  merits  of  that  blood,  repre- 
sented by  the  wine  :  Luke  xxii.  20.  The  Old  Testament  was  con- 
firmed by  the  blood  of  bulls  and  of  goats  :  Exod.  xxiv.  8;  but 
the  JSfeio  with  the  blood  of  Christ ;  and  without  the  shedding  of 
which  our  sins  could  never  have  been  removed,  nor  heaven  have 
become  our  inheritance  :  Heb.  ix.  22. 

The  word  we  have  rendered  Testament  might  well  be  rendered 
Covenant;  for  it  signifies  both;  and  so  it  would  read  New  Cove- 
nant. But  in  speaking  of  Christ's  act  and  deed,  it  is  most  proper 
to  render  it  Testament;  for  he  is  the  Testator ^  and  hj  bis  death  it 


340 


GOSPEL  —  MATTHEW. 


became  in  force :  Heb.  ix.  16,  17.  There  is  nothing  in  the  Old 
Testament  laid  aside  by  the  New  Testament  but  the  ceremonial 
law,  and  peculiarities  of  the  Jews. 

GOSPEL. 

The  word  "  Gospel,^^  signifies  good  news,  or,  glad  tidings :  as  it 
exhibits  the  Covenant  of  grace ;  and  is  an  absolute  declaration  of 
the  good-will  of  God  to  man,  in  freely  giving  Jesus  Christ  and 
salvation  in  him,  to  be  received  by  the  vilest,  without  money  and 
without  price :  See  Luke  ii.  10,  11 ;  Mark  xvi.  15.  It  is  called 
the  Gospel  of  God,  on  account  of  its  originally  coming  from  him : 
Rom.  i.  1.  It  is  called  the  Gospel  of  the  grace  of  God,  because  it 
comes  from,  and  makes  known  to  us,  the  favor  of  God ;  and  is 
the  channel  through  which  His  grace  is  conveyed  to  us :  Acts 
XX.  24.  It  is  called  the  Gospel  of  Christ,  because  He  is  the  Author 
and  subject  matter  of  it:  Eom.  i.  16.  It  is  called  the  Gospel  of 
salvation,  because  it  not  only  tells  us  that  salvation  may  be  had, 
but  points  out  the  way  of  obtaining  it ;  and  offers  it  to  us  :  Eph. 
i.  13.  It  is  the  same  Gospel  that  the  Spirit  of  God  preached  unto 
Abraham :  See  Gal.  iii.  8 ;  Gen.  xii.  3 ;  xviii.  18  ;  xxii.  18  ;  xxvi. 
4.  Gospel,  is  also  taken  for  a  historical  account  of  what  Jesus 
Christ  did  and  said  ;  of  his  life,  doctrines,  miracles,  sufferings, 
death,  resurrection,  and  ascension ;  hence  we  say,  ^'  the  Gospel 
according  to  Matthew,''  —  or  Mark,  —  or  Luke,  —  or  John.  That 
is,  as  recorded  by  them :  See  Mark  i.  1. 

MATTHEW. 

This  Evangelist  was,  by  birth,  a  Galilean;  by  profession,  a 
publican,  or  inferior  tax-gatherer ;  by  religion,  a  Jew ;  and  ordi- 
narily a  resident  of  Capernaum.  He  left  his  occupation  and 
followed  Christ  at  his  command ;  and  was  one  of  those  who  con- 
stantly accompanied  the  Lord  Jesus  from  the  baptism  of  John 
unto  the  day  that  he  was  taken  from  them  :  Acts  i.  21,  22.  He 
is  supposed  to  have  written  the  Gospel,  or  the  good  news  of 
Christ  Jesus  coming  into  the  world  to  save  sinners,  about  A.D. 
41.  But  in  what  language  he  wrote  it,  the  learned  are  not  agreed, 
whether  in  Hebrew,  Syriac,  or  Greek.    He  commences  with  the 


MARK  —  LUKE. 


341 


Eedeemer's  parentage  —  birth  —  the  ancestors  from  whom  he 
descended — and  the  manner  of  his  coming  into  the  world.  He 
has  exhibited  the  most  evident  parts  of  the  Saviour's  conduct  and 
sufferings  in  a  plain,  grave^  and  dignified  manner ;  and  as  he  was 
one  of  the  twelve  disciples  who  constantly  attended  our  Lord,  this 
history  is  an  account  of  what  he  heard  and  saw.  And  the  other 
Evangelists  relate  things  as  they  heard  and  saw  them.  Matthew 
signifies  a  reward, 

MARK. 

It  is  a  matter  of  uncertainty  who  was  the  writer  of  this  book; 
but,  be  he  who  he  may,  we  are  told  his  name  was  Mark.  And 
though  Marcus  was  quite  a  common  name  among  the  Eomans, 
the  Scriptures  leave  us  little  room  to  doubt  of  this  writer  being 
a  Jew  by  birth.  In  Acts  xv.  37,  we  read  of  John  whose  surname 
was  Mark;  and  with  whom  Paul  was  greatly  displeased  for  a 
time;  but  afterwards  showed  him  great  kindness,  and  ordered 
the  churches  to  receive  him:  Col.  iv.  10.  He  sent  for  him  to 
assist  him  in  the  ministry ;  and  afterwards  spake  of  him  as  being 
his  fellow-laborer :  Philemon  24.  Peter,  also,  speaks  of  one 
Marcus,  and  calls  him  his  son ;  on  account  of  his  having  been 
made  the  honored  instrument  of  his  conversion:  1  Pet.  v.  13. 
But  whether  that  is  the  same  as  the  one  spoken  of  by  Paul,  and, 
if  not,  which  of  the  two  wrote  this  book  the  Scriptures  do  not 
inform  us. 

He  begins  with  the  preaching  of  John  the  Baptist ;  and  though 
much  of  what  he  has  written  is  a  repetition  of  what  we  have  in 
Matthew,  he  relates  many  remarkable  circumstances  omitted  by 
that  Evangelist ;  such  as  you  will  find  in  the  following  passages : 
Mark  i.  23-26;  vii.  31-35;  viii.  22-27.    Mark  signifies  polite. 

LUKE. 

Luke  is  supposed  to  have  been  a  native  of  Antioch  in  Syria ; 
and  that  his  name  is  a  contraction  of  Lucilius  or  Lucius,  which 
signifies  luminous:  Eom.  xvi.  21.  Whether  he  was  converted  to 
Christianity  through  Paul's  instrumentality,  or  whether  Paul  first 
m^t  with  him  at  Troas,  we  cannot  learn  from  the  Scriptures.  By 


342 


JOHN. 


profession,  he  was  a  physician ;  and  his  first  mention  of  himself 
as  being  Paul's  companion  begins  at  Troas.  He  afterwards  fre- 
quently speaks  of  himself  as  being  a  fellow-traveller  with  him. 
Compare  the  following  passages :  Acts  xvi. ;  Col.  iv.  14 ;  Philemon 
23 ;  2  Tim.  iv.  11.  Luke  wrote  the  history  of  the  life  of  Christ ; 
and  is  the  supposed  writer  of  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles.  He  has 
given  in  this  book  a  circumstantial  account  of  the  birth  of  Christ 
—  his  preaching,  &c.  —  the  baptism  of  John  —  and  is  the  only 
one  who  mentions  the  commission  given  by  Christ  to  the  seventy 
disciples  :  Chap.  x.  1-20. 

JOHN. 

John  the  Evangelist,  was  the  son  of  Zebedee,  a  fisherman,  and 
his  mother's  name  was  Salome;  he  was  the  brother  of  James, 
one  of  the  twelve  apostles.  He  witnessed  the  Saviour's  retire- 
ments ;  and  particularly  his  transfiguration,  and  agony  in  the 
garden :  See  Matt.  xvii.  2 ;  Mark  ix.  2 ;  Luke  ix.  28 ;  and  Matt, 
xxvi.  37 ;  Mark  xiv.  33.  He  saw  the  Lord  of  life  hang,  bleed, 
and  die,  on  the  cross :  chapter  xix.  34,  35.  He  was  one  of  the 
first  who  visited  the  sepulchre  after  our  Lord's  resurrection :  xx. 
21.  He  was  distinguished  by  that  honorable  appellation,  that 
disciple  whom  Jesus  loved^  He,  at  the  Saviour's  dying  request, 
took  home  the  Virgin-Mary,  and  provided  for  her:  xix.  25-27. 
For  a  time  he  accompanied  Peter,  preaching,  working  miracles, 
and  enduring  persecution  from  the  Jews  at  Jerusalem,  and  at 
Samaria :  See  Acts  iii. ;  iv. ;  v.  In  his  old  age,  he  wrote  three 
epistles,  one  to  the  Jewish  Christians,  in  general,  one  to  a  noted 
lady,  and  another  to  one  Gains.  In  the  Isle  of  Patmos,  he  had 
various  visions,  and  revelations,  from  the  mouth  of  Jesus  — 
thence,  he  wrote  seven  epistles  to  the  seven  churches  of  Asia. 
He  is  said  to  have  lived  the  longest  of  all  the  apostles,  and  to  be 
the  only  one  who  died  a  natural  death. 

Learned  men  are  not  agreed,  concerning  the  language  in  which 
the  Gospel  according  to  John  was  first  written.  In  his  history 
of  our  Eedeemer's  life,  he  relates  many  things  omitted  by  the 
other  Evangelists;  chiefly  a  number  of  most  excellent  discourses; 


EXAMPLE  OF  CHRIST. 


345 


and  gives  the  most  undeniable  proofs  of  the  divinity  of  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

In  chapter  1.  The  divinity,  humanity,  and  office  of  Christ. 
2.  His  turning  water  into  wine.  3.  His  purging  the  temple 
of  buyers  and  sellers.    4.  His  talk  with  the  woman  of  Samaria. 

5.  Christ  cures  a  man  that  had  been  thirty -eight  years  afflicted. 

6.  Feeds  five  thousand.  7.  He  reproves  his  kinsmen.  8.  Delivers 
the  woman  taken  in  adultery.  9.  Cures  a  man  that  was  born 
blind.  11.  He  raises  Lazarus  from  the  dead.  13.  Washes  his 
disciples'  feet.  18.  He  is  betrayed  by  Judas.  19.  He  is  scourged 
and  crucified.  20.  He  rises  again.  21.  He  appears  to  his  di'sci- 
pies.    John  signifies  the  grace  of  the  Lord, 

EXAMPLE  OF  CHRIST. 

After  having  attentively  read  the  history  of  our  adorable 
Redeemer,  as  given  by  the  four  Evangelists,  you  will  derive  great 
benefit  by  referring  to  the  following  passages,  and  endeavoring 
to  imitate  Christ  in  his  early  piety  :  Luke  ii.  46,  47.  His  willing 
subjection  to  his  earthly  parents :  Luke  ii.  51.  His  great  humil- 
ity, meekness  of  temper,  and  lowliness  of  mind :  Matt.  xi.  29. 
His  contentment  in  the  poorest  condition :  Matt.  viii.  20.  His 
tender  compassion  towards  the  distressed  and  afflicted:  Matt. 
XX.  34.  His  unwearied  endeavors  to  do  good  to  all :  Acts  x.  38. 
His  frequent  private  prayer  :  Matt.  xiv.  23 ;  Mark  i.  35 ;  Luke  ix. 
18.  His  great  faith  in  prayer  :  John  xi.  42.  His  thanksgiving : 
Matt.  xi.  25 ;  John  xi.  41.  His  heart-felt  grief  for  the  sins  and 
sufferings  of  others :  Mark  iii.  5.  His  pious  zeal  for  the  public 
worship  of  God :  Luke  iv.  16 ;  John  ii.  13-17.  His  condescen- 
sion, even  to  the  meanest :  Matt.  xi.  19 ;  Luke  v.  29.  His  profit- 
able conversation  when  in  company :  Luke  xiv.  7-24 ;  xxiv.  13- 
35.  His  overcoming  temptation :  Matt.  iv.  1-11.  His  subjec- 
tion to  the  government  under  which  he  lived :  Matt.  xvii.  27 ; 
xxii.  21.  His  cheerful  submission  to  the  Avill  of  his  heavenly 
Father :  Matt.  xxvi.  39 ;  Luke  x:j^ii.  42.  His  constant  love  and 
practice  of  holiness  :  John  iv.  34.  His  readiness  to  forgive  all 
who  injured  him :  Luke  ix.  54-66 ;  xxiii.  34.    His  bearing  with 


344 


ACTS  OF  THE  APOSTLES. 


the  weaknesses  and  infirmities  of  his  brethren  after  the  flesh : 
Matt.  xxvi.  40-45. 

Examples  more  clearly  point  out,  and  more  powerfully  incline 
to  a  holy  practice,  than  any  precept  possibly  can  do ;  they  not 
only  show  the  possibility  of  performance,  but,  by  a  secret  force, 
urge  to  imitation,  reproach  our  defects,  and  animate  to  like  zeal. 
Christ  alone  is  a  perfect  model 

ACTS  OF  THE  APOSTLES. 

This  book  is  an  inspired  history  of  the  doings  and  sufferings 
of  the  Apostles  after  the  Ascension  of  their  Divine  Master :  but 
principally  relates  to  those  of  Peter,  John,  Paul,  and  Barnabas. 
It  contains  a  history  of  the  church  for  about  thirty  years  after 
the  death  of  Christ ;  nor  have  we  any  other,  that  Reserves  our 
belief,  for  about  250  years  afterward.  Luke  the  Evangelist  is 
allowed  to  be  the  writer  of  it ;  he  wrote  it  as  a  continuation  of 
the  history  of  the  Saviour. 

Chapters  1  to  5,  show  us  how  completely  the  promise  made  by 
the  Redeemer,  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  was  fulfilled — the  miraculous 
preaching  of  the  Apostles  —  the  success  that  attended  it  —  and 
the  persecutions  they  met  with  on  account  thereof.  6  and  7.  The 
mock-trial  and  cruel  murder  of  Stephen.  8.  The  great  persecu- 
tion and  dispersing  of  the  preachers  of  the  Gospel  into  Samaria 
—  the  baptism  and  base  conduct  of  Simon  the  sorcerer  —  and  the 
conversion  and  baptism  of  the  Ethiopian  eunuch.  9.  The  con- 
version of  Saul  on  his  way  to  Damascus.  10.  The  baptism  of 
Cornelius  and  his  friends.  11.  The  disciples  of  Christ  are  first 
called  Christians.  12.  The  murder  of  James  —  the  imprison- 
ment of  Peter  —  and  Herod's  awful  death.  The  remainder  of 
the  book  is  chiefly  taken  up  in  relating  Paul's  travels,  labors,  and 
sufferings.  An  acquaintance  with  this  book  will  cast  much  light 
upon,  and  greatly  assist  you  in,  the  reading  of  the  following 
Epistles. 

From  this  book  we  learn  that  the  Christian  Church  has  grown 
through  great  opposition,  idolatry,  and  persecution ;  notwith- 
standing the  number  and  power  of  her  enemies  ;  —  and  that  it  is 
composed  of  a  people  possessing,  not  only  the  form,  but  also,  the 


EPISTLES  —  BOMANS. 


345 


power  of  godliness ;  —  such  as  have  obtained  a  new  heart,  a  right 
spirit,  and  have  been  united  to  Christ  their  living  head  5  and 
enjoy  spiritual  communion  with  him.  See  John  xiv.  5  xv. ;  xvi.; 
Acts  i.  to  V. 

EPISTLES. 

Aisr  Epistle  is  a  letter  by  which  one  person  communicates  his 
mind  to  another  at  a  distance.  The  whole  of  the  Bible  is  God's 
Epistle  to  us ;  for  in  it  he  has  communicated  his  mind  concerning 
us.  There  are  twenty-one  of  the  books  of  the  New  Testament 
called  Epistles;  the  first  fourteen  of  which  were  written  by 
Paul;  the  other  seven  were  written,  one  by  James,  two  by 
Peter,  three  by  Joh^^,  and  one  by  Jude.  When  these  epistles, 
or  letters,  were  first  written,  they  were  not  divided  into  chapters 
and  verses  as  Ave  now  have  them ;  and  therefore  to  get  at  the 
meaning  of  the  writer  of  any  epistle,  you  will  have  to  read  it  over 
attentively  from  beginning  to  end ;  just  as  you  would  a  letter  of 
great  importance  you  had  received  from  a  friend. 

ROMANS. 

This  epistle  was  written  by  Paul,  from  Corinth,  to  the  Chris- 
tian church  at  Eome,  whom  the  Apostle  had  not  seen ;  and  ap- 
pears to  have  been  written  about  A.D.  56.  The  eleven  first 
chapters  are  doctrinal,  and  the  last  five  practical.  And  in  order 
to  understand  the  truths  contained  in  the  former  part,  we  have 
only  to  attend  to  the  duties  of  the  latter  part.  He  shows  us  in 
chapter  1,  that  the  foundation  of  our  salvation  is  laid,  not  by 
works  of  nature,  but  in  justification  by  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  2,  3.  That  the  works  of  the  law  can  save  none.  4. 
That  the  only  way  to  escape  the  curse  of  the  law,  is,  by  believing 
in  Christ,  who  was  made  a  curse  for  us  :  Gal.  iii.  13.  o.  How 
we  obtain  peace  with  God.  6,  7.  How  we  are  sanctified  to  him. 
8.  How  we  are  glorified  by  him.  9.  He  speaks  of  persons  saved. 
10,  11.  Shows  that  those  who  are  saved  by  Christ  are  believing 
Jews  and  Gentiles.  And  then  follows  the  practical  part  of  his 
epistle,  or  letter ;  in  which  we  have,  chap.  12,  some  useful  and 
wholesome  exhortations  impressed  upon  us,  with  motives  the 


346 


1  CORINTHIANS. 


most  powerful.  13.  Directions  for  conducting  ourselves  as  mem- 
bers of  civil  society.  And  in  the  last  three  chapters,  how  we 
should  behave  ourselves  as  members  of  the  church  of  Christ,  the 
one  toward  another.  There  is  no  part  of  the  Bible  which  we 
ought  to  read,  learn,  inwardly  digest,  and  become  more  thoroughly 
acquainted  with,  than  this  epistle.  It  clearly  shows  us,  that  we 
can  neither  be  saved  in  whole  nor  in  part  by  our  own  works ;  and 
that  salvation  is  in  Christ  Jesus  alone  —  and  by  believing  in  Him 
we  are  saved  from  that  condemnation  consequent  on  unbelief. 
Notwithstanding,  it  plainly  sets  forth  those  who  believe  in  Christ, 
as  being  a  peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good  works. 

1  CORINTHIANS. 

Corinth  was  a  principal  and  wealthy  city  of  that  particular 
division  of  Greece  called  Achai.  Paul  preached  there  with  very 
great  success,  for  about  one  year  and  a  half;  and  in  the  midst  of 
great  persecution  from  the  Jews,  succeeded  in  forming  a  church 
there.  See  Acts  xviii.  And  there  a  Christian  church,  either 
real  or  pretended,  from  that  time  has  existed.  It  appears,  that 
shortly  after  his  departure  from  them,  he  wrote  them  a  friendly 
epistle  which  is  now  lost.  See  1  Cor.  v.  9 ;  2  Cor.  x.  10,  11.  He 
had  left  them  but  a  short  time,  before  various  disorders  and 
schisms  got  in  among  them ;  and  each  party  contended  for  their 
favorite  preacher.  See  the  first  chapter.  Inspired  by  God,  he, 
therefore,  wrote  them  this  long  letter,  in  which  he  sharply  re- 
bukes them  for  their  divisions,  and  vindicates  his  own  conduct. 
In  chaj^ters  1  to  4,  he  directly  reproves  their  dissensions  —  shows 
how  unable  the  natural  man  is  to  understand  spiritual  things 
—  that  ministers  are  God's  workmen  —  and  on  what  account  min- 
isters ought  to  be  regarded.  5.  He  directs  them  to  put  away  an 
incestuous  person  from  among  them,  and  to  purge  out  the  old 
leaven.  6.  Not  to  go  to  law  one  with  another  before  heathen 
magistrates.  7,  8.  Warns  them  against  irregularities  in  mar- 
riages —  and  of  giving  offence  in  eating  things  offered  to  idols. 
9.  How  ministers  ought  to  be  supported.  10.  How  they  should 
conduct  themselves  at  the  Lord's  table.  11.  That  women  slioul'l 
pray  with  their  heads  covered.    12.  That  all  should  improve 


2  CORINTHIAKS  —  GALATIAKS. 


S47 


their  gifts  to  the  edification  of  others.  13.  The  praises  of  char- 
ity, or  love.  14.  Women  are  forbidden  to  speak  in  the  govern- 
ment of  the  church.  15.  He  most  clearly  proves  the  resurrection 
of  the  dead.  16.  He  exhorts  them  all  not  to  be  unmindful  of 
their  poor  brethren  —  but  make  their  collections  every  week  for 
the  relief  of  the  poor ;  and  gives  his  love  to  them  all. 

2  CORINTHIANS. 

In  the  last  chapter  of  the  former  epistle  (ver.  5-7)  the  Apos- 
tle signified  his  intention  of  shortly  visiting  Corinth ;  but  being 
providentially  prevented,  he,  about  one  year  afterward,  wrote  this 
second  epistle,  or  letter  to  them.  In  chapter  1,  after  the  intro- 
duction, the  Apostle  gives  an  account  of  his  own  troubles  and 
God's  goodness.  2.  He  shows  the  reason  why  he  came  not  to 
them  —  and  directs  them  to  forgive  and  comfort  the  person  who 
had  been  excommunicated  for  incest.  3.  He  proves  the  excel- 
lency of  the  New  Testament  above  the  Old  —  the  duty  of  gospel- 
ministers — and  the  advantages  of  living  under  the  gospel.  4. 
He  declares  his  own  sincerity  and  faithfulness  in  preaching  the 
gospel.  5.  His  hope  of  immortal  glory  —  and  of  future  judg- 
ment. 6.  His  heart  is  open  to  them  —  and  he  expects  the  like 
affection  from  them.  7.  He  declares  what  comfort  he  took  in 
his  alfiictions,  since  he  had  heard  so  good  a  report  of  them  by 
Titus.  8.  He  very  affectionately  urges  them  to  contribute  lib- 
erally to  the  support  of  the  poor.  9.  He  proceeds  to  encourage 
them  to  liberality.  10.  He  arms  them  against  the  crafty  in- 
sinuations of  false  teachers.  11.  He  gives  a  large  account  of 
his  labors,  sufferings,  and  qualifications  for  the  ministry.  12. 
He  promises  to  come  to  them  —  and  blames  them  for  their  faults. 
13.  He  threatens  severity  with  obstinate  offenders  —  and  con- 
cludes the  epistle  with  a  general  exhortation  and  prayer. 

GALATIANS. 

This  is  another  of  Paul's  epistles.  It  is  not  directed  to  the 
church  or  churches  of  any  particular  city  as  some  others  are ;  but 
to  the  churches  of  a  whole  province ;  for  so  Galatia  was,  of  Lesser 
Asia.  This  province  formerly  contained  twenty -two  famous  ^itif^s  ; 


348 


EPHESIAKS. 


and  it  seems  that  the  gospel  was  first  preached,  and  Christianity 
first  planted  here  by  the  apostle  Paul.  See  Acts  xvi.  6 ;  xviii. 
23.  While  this  apostle  was  among  them,  they  expressed  great 
love  both  for  him  and  his  preaching ;  but  he  had  scarcely  left  the 
country,  before  some  false  teachers  got  in  among  them,  and  stirred 
up  the  people  to  hate  both  him  and  his  doctrine  ;  and  which  was 
the  occasion  of  his  writing  this  epistle  to  them.  In  chapter  1, 
he  sharply  reproves  them  for  so  soon  departing  from  the  faith, 
2.  He  gives  an  account  of  an  interview  he  had  with  Peter  at 
Antioch.  3.  He  reproves  them  for  their  folly  —  and  proves  the 
truth  of  the  doctrines  from  which  they  had  departed.  4.  Shows 
the  happy  change  their  conversion  wrought  in  them.  5.  De- 
scribes the  struggles  with  flesh  and  sin  —  and  the  fruits  of  the 
flesh  —  and  of  the  Spirit.  6.  Concludes  with  some  plain,  practi- 
cal duties  —  and  the  true  character  of  false  teachers.  The  whole 
teaches  us  to  follow  Christ  and  beware  of  men. 

EPHESIANS. 

While  a  prisoner  at  Rome,  the  Apostle  Paul  wrote  this  epistle 
to  the  church  at  Ephesus,  the  chief  city  of  Lower- Asia ;  a  city 
famous  for  its  idolatry  and  magnificent  temple  dedicated  to  the 
goddess  Diana.  Chapter  1.  After  the  salutation,  he  thanks  God 
for  the  great  blessings  he  has  conferred  upon  them.  2.  He  com- 
pares their  former  state  by  nature  with  their  present  one  by 
grace.  3.  He  desires  them  not  to  faint  for  his  tribulation  —  and 
prays  that  they  may  be  sensible  of  the  great  love  of  Christ  toward 
them.  And  having  in  the  former  part  of  his  epistle,  or  letter, 
delivered  some  very  important  doctrinal  truths,  he  proceeds  to 
give  some  of  the  most  weighty  exhortations  to  faith  and  practice. 
4.  He  exhorts  them  to  love  —  unity  —  concord  —  purity  —  and 
holiness.  5.  He  shows  how  Christians  should  conduct  them- 
selves —  exhorts  them  to  mutual  love  —  charity  —  and  to  avoid 
all  manner  of  uncleanness.  6.  The  duty  of  children  to  parents 
—  and  servants  to  masters  —  describes  the  complete  armor  of  a 
Christian  —  and  how  it  ought  to  be  used.  And  concludes  with 
his  good  wishes  and  prayers  for  all  the  brethren. 


PHILIPPIANS  —  COLOSSIANS  —  1  THESSALONIAKS.  349 


PHILIPPIANS. 

Philippi  was  a  city  of  considerable  note^  of  the  western  part 
of  Macedonia;  and  the  Apostle  Paul  was  called  in  an  extraordi- 
nary manner  to  preach  there.  Eead  Acts^  chapters  xvi.  and  xx. 
He  appears  to  have  had  a  particular  kindness  for  the  church  he 
had  been  the  instrument  in  forming  there.  Although  he  had 
been  called  to  suffer  many  hard  things  at  Philippi,  and  had  been 
scourged  and  put  in  the  stocks,  that  did  not  wean  his  love  from 
either  place  or  people.  In  chapter  1,  he  assures  them  that  he 
always  remembered  them  in  his  prayers.  2.  He  exhorts  them  to 
be  diligent  —  loving  —  and  serious  —  and  to  walk  like  Christians. 
3.  He  cautions  them  against  false  teachers  —  who,  like  surly  dogs, 
would  bark  to  annoy  —  and  bite  to  destroy,  the  faithful  profes- 
sors of  Christianity.  4.  He  gives  them  many  faithful  admoni- 
tions — and  exhortations  —  gratefully  acknowledges  their  kindness 
—  and  concludes  with  praise  to  God.  He  wrote  this  epistle  while 
a  prisoner  at  Rome, 

COLOSSIANS. 

CoLOSSE  was  formerly  a  large  city  in  Phrygia ;  although  it  is 
now  laid  in  ruins.  Eead  Acts  xvi. ;  xviii.  This  epistle  was  writ* 
ten  about  the  same  time,  and  in  the  same  place,  as  the  one  to  the 
Ephesians  and  Philippians ;  while  Paul  was  a  prisoner  at  Eome. 
Paul  did  not  plant,  neither  had  he  ever  seen  this  church ;  still  he 
did  not  forget  it,  nor  neglect  it.  In  chapter  1,  he  thanks  God  for 
the  good  report  he  had  heard  of  their  faith — and  prays  that  they 
might  be  fruitful  —  and  gives  them  an  excellent  abridgment  of 
the  doctrines  of  Christianity.  2.  He  exhorts  them  to  beware  of 
philosophy  and  vain  traditions.  3.  He  exhorts  them,  as  those 
that  were  risen  with  Christ,  to  live  above  the  world.  4.  He 
entreats  them  to  pray  fervently  —  walk  wisely  —  and  concludes 
with  his  best  wishes  for  them  all.  All  who  profess  Christianity 
should  live  like  Christians. 

1  THESSALOXIAJ^S. 

Thessalonica,  now  called  Salonichi,  was  the  chief  city  of 
Macedonia;  Paul,  in  a  very  remarkable  manner,  was  directed 


350 


2  THESSALONIANS. 


there  to  preach  the  gospel.  See  Acts  xvi.  9, 10.  When  this  great 
teacher  of  the  Gentiles  first  planted  a  Christian  church  there, 
it  consisted  of  some  converted  Jews,  and  many  Gentiles,  who 
embraced  Christianity.  See  Acts  xvii.  1-4.  The  apostle  was 
greatly  opposed  in  his  good  work  by  the  unbelieving  Jews,  and 
the  baser  sort  of  the  people ;  so  much  so,  that,  for  his  own  safety, 
he  had  to  leave  the  city  in  the  night  with  Silas,  who  went  with 
him  to  Berea.  This  is  supposed  to  be  the  first  epistle  Paul  ever 
wrote ;  although  it  is  placed  after  his  other  epistles.  In  chapter 
1,  he  tells  them  how  thankful  he  felt  to  God  on  account  of  their 
having  embraced  the  gospel,  and  forsook  their  idolatry.  2.  He 
appeals  to  them  as  to  the  faithful  manner  of  his  preaching  the 
gospel  among  them.  3.  He  testifies  his  great  love  to  them  by 
sending  Timothy  to  them  —  by  rejoicing  in  their  well-doing  —  by 
praying  for  them  —  and  desiring  a  safe  coming  to  them.  4.  He 
exhorts  them  to  live  holy  and  justly  —  to  love  one  another  —  and 
gives  a  brief  description  of  the  resurrection.  5.  He  gives  them 
many  useful  exhortations  to  watchfulness — sobriety  —  faith  — 
love  —  and  hope  —  and  charges  them  to  read  this  epistle  to  the 
brethren ;  and  concludes  with  the  usual  benediction. 

2  THESSALONIANS. 

This  epistle  was  written  shortly  after  the  first ;  and,  it  is  prob- 
able, from  the  same  place.  It  appears  that  some  of  the  apostle's 
expressions  in  the  former  epistle,  had  been  misunderstood  by 
some  of  them ;  and  they  were  led  to  believe  that  the  coming  of 
Christ,  the  end  of  the  world,  and  the  judgment-day,  were  so  near, 
that  to  pay  any  regard  to  their  temporal  affairs  was  inconsistent 
with  the  anticipation  of  that  great  event.  To  correct  so  great  an 
error,  the  apostle,  no  doubt,  immediately  wrote  this  second  epistle, 
or  letter.  In  chapter  1,  he  gives  thanks  to  God  for  their  faith, 
love,  and  union,  and  speaks  of  the  coming  of  Christ,  the  punish- 
ment of  the  ungodly,  the  glorification  of  the  saints,  and  prays 
that  God  may  count  them  worthy  of  their  calling  —  and  that  the 
name  of  Jesus  might  be  glorified  by  them.  2.  He  exhorts  them 
to  stand  fast  in  the  faith,  and  not  be  alarmed  at  any  rumors  they 
might  hear  concerning  the  coming  of  Christ  —  confutes  the  error 


1  TIMOTHY. 


351 


that  he  had  cautioned  them  against,  by  shewing  them  what  great 
events  must  take  place  before  his  coming ;  such  as,  a  general 
apostacy,  and  the  revelation  of  antichrist.  He  thereupon  repeats 
his  former  exhortation,  and  prays  for  them.  3.  He  begs  them  to 
pray  for  him,  testifies  what  confidence  he  has  in  them,  makes 
requests  to  God  in  their  behalf,  shows  them  how  to  treat  those 
who  walk  disorderly,  prays  that  they  may  have  increasing  peace, 
and  concludes  with  the  usual  benediction :  "  The  grace  of  our 
Lord,''  &c. 

1  TIMOTHY. 

Paul's  epistles  have  hitherto  been  directed  to  churches ;  now 
we  have  the  four  following  to  particular  individuals:  two  to 
Timothy y  one  to  TituSj  and  one  to  Philemon;  all  three  ministers 
of  the  gospel. 

Timothy  was  an  Evangelist,  an  order  which  appears  to  be  infe- 
rior to  the  apostles :  Eph.  iv.  11 ;  though,  it  is  evident,  their  com- 
mission and  work  were  much  the  same  with  that  of  the  apostles  ; 
preaching,  baptizing,  planting,  and  watering  the  Christian 
churches.  It  appears  that  Timothy's  mother  was  a  Jewess,  and 
his  father  a  Gentile ;  and  which  will  account  for  his  not  having 
been  circumcised  when  Paul  met  with  him ;  and  it  is  probable, 
that  at  this  time  his  father  was  dead,  and  he  was  living  with  his 
mother  and  grandmother.  Compare  Acts  xv.  1-3,  with  2  Tim.  i.  5. 
He  seems  to  have  been  brought  up  in  the  fear  of  God,  and,  by 
means  of  the  holy  Scriptures,  had  been  carefully  instructed  in  the 
Jewish  religion.  Compare  2  Tim.  i.  5,  with  2  Tim.  iii.  15.  Erom 
the  time  Timothy  submitted  to  circumcision  he  accompanied  Paul 
m  his  travels,  assisted  him  in  preaching  the  gospel,  and  establish- 
ing the  churches;  and  was  left  by  him  to  take  charge  of  the 
church  at  Ephesus ;  but  how  long  he  continued  there  is  not 
certain. 

In  chapter  1,  Paul  informs  Timothy  why  he  had  left  him  at 
Ephesus — what  the  false  apostles  taught  instead  of  the  gospel 
—  exhorts  him  to  hold  fast  faith  and  a  good  conscience  —  and 
speaks  of  some  who  had  made  shipwreck  of  faith.  2.  He  ex- 
horts that  prayers  be  made  for  all  men  —  shows  the  reasons  why 


352 


2  TIMOTHY  —  TITUS. 


—  and  how  men  "should  pray  —  and  women  adorn  themselres. 
3.  He  speaks  of  the  qualifications  of  bishops  —  of  deacons  —  of 
their  work  —  and  how  they  should  be  proved.  4.  He  foretells 
apostacy  from  the  true  faith  —  instructs  Timothy  what  to  teach 
and  what  to  avoid.  5.  He  lays  down  rules  for  reproving  —  di- 
rections concerning  widows  —  and  elders  —  and  a  precept  for 
Timothy's  health.  6.  He  speaks  of  the  gain  of  godliness  —  the 
evil  of  loving  money  —  exhorts  Timothy  to  be  faithful  —  and 
describes  the  majesty  of  God. 

2  TIMOTHY. 

In  this  epistle,  which  was  written  by  Paul  while  a  prisoner  at 
Kome,  and  under  the  constant  expectation  of  being  put  to  death, 
we  have  in  chapter  1,  an  account  of  the  piety  of  Timothy's 
grandmother,  and  mother  —  of  the  religious  education  they  had 
given  their  son — an  exhortation  to  Timothy — and  the  kindness 
shown  to  Paul  while  in  prison,  by  Onesiphorus.  2.  Timothy  is 
exhorted  to  constancy  and  perseverance — to  preach  faithfully 
the  word  of  truth  —  and  to  carefully  avoid  the  doctrine  of  Hy- 
meneus  and  Philetus,  who  declare  that  the  resurrection  is  past. 
3.  He  predicts  dangerous  times  in  the  latter  days  —  and  com- 
mends the  holy  Scriptures.  4.  In  a  most  solemn  manner,  he 
charges  Timothy  to  be  faithful  and  diligent  —  certifies  him  of 
the  nearness  of  his  own  death  —  his  strong  confidence  of  being 
forever  happy  —  and  concludes.    Timothy  signifies,  honor  of  God. 

TITUS. 

Distinguished  as  Titus  was,  it  is  certainly  very  remarkable 
that  his  name  should  not  be  once  found  in  all  the  Acts  of  the 
Apostles.  But  that  he  was  a  Greek  and  brought  up  in  heathen- 
ism, we  learn  from  Gal.  ii.  3 ;  or  he  would  have  been  circumcised. 
He  was  converted  to  Christianity  by  the  ministry  of  Paul,  (chap, 
i.  4,)  who  tenderly  loved  him  :  2  Cor.  ii.  13 ;  and  frequently  men' 
tions  him  in  the  most  endearing  language.  See  2  Cor.  vii.  6,  7, 
13,  15,  and  viii.  16,  23. 

In  chapter  1,  he  informs  Titus  why  he  left  him  in  Crete  —  (and 
though  no  mention  is  anywhere  made  of  PauPs  ever  being  in 


PHILEMON  —  HEBREWS. 


353 


Crete,  it  is  plain  he  was  there)  —  of  the  qualifications  requisite 
for  those  who  bear  rule  in  the  church  of  Christ  —  the  character 
of  the  Cretians  —  of  pure  and  impure  professors.  2.  Directions 
are  given  to  the  aged  —  the  young  —  to  Titus  —  to  servants  — 
and  what  the  gospel  teaches.  3.  He  shows  the  necessity  of  obe- 
dience —  the  wretched  condition  of  men  without  Christ  —  the 
great  change  which  the  grace  of  God  makes  in  all  who  possess  it 

—  the  indispensable  duty  of  believers  to  live  holy  lives  — how  to 
deal  with  heretics  —  requests  Titus  to  meet  him  at  Mcopolis 

—  and  gives  some  concluding  directions  and  salutations.  Titus 
signifies,  honorable. 

PHILEMON^. 

Philemoist,  who  was  a  resident,  if  not  a  native  of  Colosse,  ap- 
pears to  have  become  a  convert  to  Christianity  by  Paul's  minis- 
try. The  design  of  this  epistle  was  to  reconcile  Philemon  to  his 
slave  Onesimus;  who,  having  run  from  him,  had  fled  to  Kome, 
where  he  became  converted  to  Christianity  by  means  of  Paul's 
preaching.  In  verses  1  to  3,  he  salutes  Philemon  and  the  church 
who  met  in  his  house.  4  to  7.  He  extols  his  love  —  faith  —  and 
Christian  charity.  8  to  14.  He  pleads  forgiveness  for  Onesimus, 
his  offending  servant,  in  a  very  affecting  and  earnest  manner. 
15  to  17.  Engages  himself  to  repair  any  wrong  that  his  servant 
might  have  done  him.  20,  21.  He  expresses  the  strongest  confi- 
dence that  his  master  will  forgive  him.  22.  He  directs  Philemon 
to  prepare  a  lodging  for  him,  as  he  expected  shortly  to  be  with 
him.  23  to  25.  With  salutations  and  benedictions  concludes. 
What  a  pattern  doth  this  epistle  exhibit  to  both  masters  and 
servants  !  Philemon  signifies,  that  kisses;  —  and  Onesimus,  prof- 
itable. 

HEBREWS. 

It  is  not  certain,  neither  are  we  concerned  to  know,  who  was 
the  writer  of  this  epistle,  though  it  is  generally  assigned  to  the 
apostle  Paul.  Whoever  the  writer  may  be,  it  is  very  clear  the 
scope  and  design  of  it  was  to  inform  the  minds,  and  confirm  the 
judgments  of  the  Hebrews,  in  the  excellence  of  the  gospel  above 
Uie  law^  to  which  they  were  so  strongly  attached  ^  and  to  per- 


354 


JAMES. 


suade  them  to  strictly  adhere  to^  and  persevere  in,  the  Christian 
faith.  It  contains  all  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel ;  its  beauties 
are  many,  its  excellences  great,  and  its  matter  instructive. 

In  chapter  1,  he  speaks  of  the  different  discoveries  that  God 
had  made  to  the  fathers  by  the  prophets  —  the  coming  of  Christ 

—  and  his  being  preferred  above  the  angels.  2.  He  describes 
the  nature  of  Christ  —  and  the  end  for  which  he  assumed  that 
nature.  3.  He  shows  that  Jesus  Christ  is  more  worthy  than 
Moses  —  and  cautions  them  against  unbelief.  4.  He  shows  that 
the  rest  of  Christians  can  be  attained  only  by  faith  —  that  Jesus 
Christ  is  our  high-priest  —  through  whom  we  have  access  to  God. 
5.  The  nature  of  the  high-priesthood  —  his  qualifications  —  order 

—  and  pre-eminence.  6.  He  exhorts  to  diligence  —  and  patience. 
7.  He  speaks  of  the  greatness  of  Melchisedec,  after  whose  order 
Christ  is  a  High-Priest  forever.  8.  He  shows  how  superior  the 
new  Covenant  is  to  that  of  the  old  —  and  that  by  the  former 
the  latter  is  abolished.  9.  The  inferiority  of  the  sacrifices  of  the 
law  to  the  dignity  and  perfection  of  the  sacrifice  of  Christ.  10. 
He  shows  the  Aveakness  of  the  law-sacrifices  —  sacrifice  of  Christ's 
body  once  offered  hath  forever  taken  away  sin.  11.  He  gives 
divers  admonitions  —  to  charity  —  to  honest  life  —  to  avoid  cov- 
etousness  —  to  submit  to,  and  regard  God's  preachers  —  to  guard 
against  strange  doctrines  —  to  confess  Christ  —  give  alms  —  prays 
for  them  —  and  concludes.  This  certainly  looks  like  Paul's  writ- 
ing. Paul  signifies,  a  worker;  and  Saul,  his  former  name,  a 
destroyer. 

JAMESo 

This  apostle  is  called  James  the  less,  Mark  xv.  40,  to  distin- 
guish him  from  the  other  James  who  was  killed :  Acts  xii.  2. 
He  is  called  the  Lord's  brother :  Gal.  i.  19 ;  but  why,  the  learned 
are  not  agreed.  It  is  certain  that  he  was  an  apostle,  and  that  he 
was  the  son  of  Alpheus  :  Matt.  x.  3.  Abraham  was  uncle  to  Lot ; 
and  he  calls  him  his  brother  :  Gen.  xii.  5  ;  xiii.  8.  He  was  sur- 
named  the  Just,  on  account  of  the  admirable  holiness  of  his  life ; 
but  whether  he,  or  some  one  else,  wrote  this  epistle,  we  are  but 
Little  concerned  to  know,,  since  there  can  be  no  doubt  of  its  being 


1  PETER. 


356 


divinely  inspired,  and  written  for  our  instruction.    It  is  called 

general,  or  catholic,  on  account  of  its  being  written  to  no  particu- 
lar nation,  city,  or  church  ;  but  to  Christians  everywhere.  It 
begins  without  any  apostolic  salutation ;  the  name  of  our  blessed 
Lord  is  mentioned  but  twice  in  it ;  and  it  ends  without  any  apos- 
tolic benediction. 

In  chapter  1,  the  apostle  addresses  the  twelve  tribes  which 
were  scattered  abroad  —  shows  that  they  should  rejoice  under, 
and  receive  comfort  from  the  cross  —  exhorts  them  to  ask  wisdom 
of  God  without  a  doubting  mind  —  and  declares  that,  to  hear  the 
word  of  God  without  doing  it,  will  be  of  no  avail.  2.  He  shows 
that  partiality  is  inconsistent  with  Christianity  —  that  God  has 
chosen  the  poor  —  that  we  should  be  loving  and  merciful  —  and 
never  boast  of  faith  without  good  works.  3.  He  cautions  all 
against  a  haughty  conduct  —  and  an  unbridled  tongue  —  and  con- 
trasts the  nature  and  effects  of  earthly  and  heavenly  wisdom. 
4.  He  shows  the  origin  of  wars  and  contentions  —  that  the 
friendship  of  the  world  is  enmity  with  God  —  that  God  resists 
the  proud  —  that  men  should  submit  and  pray  to  him  —  humble 
themselves  —  and  not  speak  evil  one  of  another  —  the  sin  of 
knowing  the  will  of  God  and  not  doing  it.  5.  That  wicked  rich 
men  are  in  danger  of  the  judgments  of  God  —  the  followers  of 
God  should  be  patient  under  oppression  and  afflictions,  and  take 
encouragement  from  the  example  of  the  prophets  and  Job  — 
strongly  forbids  swearing — encourages  all  to  pray  for  each  other 
— and  to  restore  a  straying  brother.    James  signifies,  the  heel. 

1  PETER. 

This  apostle  was  a  native  of  Bethsaida,  was  the  son  of  Jonas, 
and  brother  of  Andrew,  the  apostle.  His  original  name  was 
Simon,  but  the  Saviour  called  him  Cephas,  or,  as  it  is  interpreted, 
Peter;  both  words  signifying  a  stone,  or  rock.  There  is  no 
Scriptural  evidence  of  his  ever  being  at  Rome;  neither  is  there 
any  to  the  contrary.  He  wrote  to  all  Christians,  whether  con- 
verted Jews  or  Gentiles,  who  lived  in  those  countries  named; 
and  on  which  account  his  epistles  are  called  general^  catholic,  or 
universal. 


356 


2  PETER  —  1  JOHN. 


In  chapter  1,  he  thanks  God  for  the  grace  by  which  they  have 
been  preserved  faithful  in  their  trials  —  and  exhorts  them  to 
holiness  and  brotherly  love  as  the  children  of  God.  2.  He  dis- 
suades them  from  the  breach  of  charity  —  declares  the  character 
of  belie  vers,  as  the  children  of  God  —  beseeches  all  such  to 
glorify  God  —  to  practise  the  various  duties  of  life  —  and  be 
patient  under  persecution,  after  the  example  of  Christ.  3.  He 
teaches  the  duties  of  wives  and  husbands  to  each  other  —  how 
to  see  good  days  and  many  of  them  —  and  always  to  give  a  reason 
of  the  hope  that  is  in  us.  4.  He  exhorts  to  conformity  to  Christ 
—  to  be  sober  —  charitable  —  and  watchful.  5.  He  exhorts  the 
elders  to  feed  their  flocks — the  younger  to  be  obedient  —  and 
all  to  be  sober  —  watchful  —  and  diligent  in  the  faith.  Saluta- 
tions are  given  from  the  church  :  and  the  benediction. 

2  PETER. 

This  second  epistle  of  Peter  is  supposed  to  have  been  written 
about  a  year  after  the  former  one;  it  is  directed  to  the  same 
persons,  and,  it  is  supposed,  from  Eome,  which  he  calls  Babylon : 
See  1  Pet.  v.  13. 

In  chapter  1,  he  exhorts  them,  by  faith  and  good  works,  to 
make  their  calling  and  election  sure  —  gives  intimations  of  his 
speedy  dissolution  —  and  the  desire  he  has  that  those  churches 
might  be  established  in  the  true  faith  of  the  gospel.  2.  He 
foretells  the  coming  of  false  teachers  —  the  judgments  that  await 
those  false  teachers  —  and  gives  their  character.  3.  He  warns 
believers  against  scoffers  and  impostors  —  and  concludes  by 
warning  them  against  seducers  —  and  exhorting  them  to  grow 
in  grace  and  in  the  knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ. 

1  JOHN. 

Although  this  epistle  has  not  the  name  of  John  either  pre 
fixed  or  subscribed  to  it,  it  has,  from  the  earliest  ages  of  Chris- 
tianity, been  attributed  to  him. 

In  chapter  1,  he  describes  the  person  of  Christ  —  and  the  end 
for  which  he  bears  this  testimony  —  shows  that  those  who  have 
fellowship  with  God.  walk  in  the  light  —  and  are  cleansed  from 


2  JOHIT  —  3  JOHN". 


357 


unrighteousness.  2.  He  warns  believers  against  all  sin — and 
shows  that  a  knowledge  of,  and  union  with  Christ,  must  be 
shown  by  our  obedience  to  him  —  and  cautions  them  against  the 
love  of  the  world  —  and  seducers.  3.  He  expresses  his  great 
admiration  of  the  love  of  God  in  the  adoption  of  sinners  —  shows 
how  the  children  of  God  are  distinguished  from  the  children  of 
the  devil.  4.  He  warns  against  false,  seducing  teachers  —  tells 
how  to  distinguish  between  the  true  and  false  prophets  —  and 
exhorts  to  brotherly-love.  5.  He  shows  that  they  who  love  God 
love  his  children  also  —  the  willingness  of  God  to  hear  and 
answer  prayer  —  and  concludes  by  strongly  marking  the  differ- 
ence between  those  who  are  born  of  God,  and  the  world  that 
lieth  in  wickedness  —  and  exhorting  ns  to  keep  from  idolatry. 

2  JOHN^. 

That  the  apostle  John,  who  wrote  the  former  epistle,  is  the 
writer  of  this  also,  all  are  agreed ;  but  as  it  regards  the  person 
to  whom  it  was  sent,  there  exists  a  difference  of  opinion.  Some 
think  it  was  a  church  to  whom  he  directed  it,  under  the  title  of 

The  Elect  Lady : while  others  suppose,  what  is  more  probable, 
that  he  wrote  it  to  a  religious  matron,  for  the  purpose  of  com- 
forting  and  establishing,  both  her  and  her  family,  in  the  doctrines 
of  Christianity.  This  epistle  is  divided  into  thirteen  verses; 
and  from  1  to  3,  contains  the  apostle's  address  to  a  Christian 
lady  and  her  children.  4  to  6.  He  rejoices  to  find  that  they  are 
walking  in  the  truth  —  and  exhorts  them  to  continue  to  love  one 
another.  7,  8.  He  cautions  them  against  deceivers  —  and  exhorts 
them  to  watchfulness.  9.  Shows  the  necessity  of  abiding  in 
Christ.  10,  11.  He  cautions  them  against  those  who  brought 
not  the  true  doctrine.  12.  Excuses  himself  from  writing.  13. 
Her  sister's  children  desire  to  be  remembered  to  her. 

3  JOHN-. 

This  epistle  was  written  by  the  same  apostle  as  the  two 
former;  and  was  addressed  by  Johx  to  "the  well-beloved  Gains." 
There  are  several  persons  mentioned,  of  the  name  of  Gains,  in 
the  New  Testament:  see  Acts  xix.  29;  xx.  4;  Eom.  xvi.  23; 


358 


JUDE. 


1  Cor.  i.  14.  And  whether  the  Gains  mentioned  here  is  one 
of  those  referred  to  is  not  certain ;  neither  is  it  important  for  us 
to  know. 

In  verses  1^  2,  the  apostle  expresses  his  good  wishes  for  the 
prosperity  of  Gains.  3  to  8.  He  commends  liim  for  his  piety  and 
hospitality  to  true  preachers.  9.  He  complains  of  the  unkind- 
ness  and  ambitious  conduct  of  Diotrephes.  10.  Of  his  not  receiv- 
ing the  brethren  himself  and  preventing  those  that  would.  11. 
Exhorts  Gains  not  to  follow  his  example^  but  that  which  is  good. 

12.  He  gives  a  special  testimony  to  the  good  report  of  Demetrius. 

13.  He  excuses  himself  from  writing  a  more  lengthy  letter,  as  he 
proposes  shortly  to  visit  him.  14.  He  concludes  with  salutations 
from  some  friend  who  desired  to  be  remembered  to  him.  A  dis- 
tant friend  is  better  than  a  near  foe. 


JUDE. 

Judas,  or  Jude,  the  writer  of  this  epistle,  who  is  also  called 
Lebbeus  Tliaddeus,  was  the  son  of  Alpheus,  and  brother  of  James 
the  Less  ;  and  an  apostle  of  the  Lord.  See  Matt.  x.  3,  and  John 
xiv.  22.  The  design  of  it  evidently  was,  to  guard  believers  against 
the  principles  and  practices  of  the  false  teachers,  who,  at  so  early 
an  age  of  the  church,  had  arisen  in  the  world. 

In  verses  1,  2,  we  have  the  writer's  address  and  benediction. 
3,  4.  He  states  the  reasons  which  induced  him  to  write  this  epis- 
tle —  and  exhorts  them  to  a  vigorous  and  holy  contention  for  the 
faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints.  5  to  8.  He  reminds  them 
of  some  awful  instances  of  divine  vengeance  on  sinners.  9.  In- 
forms them  of  the  dispute  about  the  body  of  Moses.  10,  11. 
He  particularly  describes  the  false  teachers.  12,  13.  Represents 
them  as  impure,  unsteady,  fierce,  and  without  shame.  14  to  19. 
He  gives  a  further  description  of  those  corrupters  of  doctrine  and 
morals.  20,  21.  Exhorts  believers  to  keep  in  the  love  of  God. 
22,  23.  Directs  them  how  to  pity  and  restore  those  who  are  in 
danger.  24,  25.  He  concludes  with  a  doxology  to  God.  Judas, 
or  Jude,  signifies,  the  iiraise  of  the  Lord. 


KEVELATION. 


359 


Any  immediate  discovery  of  the  mind  of  God  to  man  is  called 
a  revelation.  See  Gal.  i.  12 ;  1  Cor.  xiv.  6,  26.  But  this,  the  last 
book  of  the  Scriptures,  is  particularly  so  called ;  on  account  of  its 
chiefly  consisting  of  a  multitude  of  revelations  relative  to  God^s 
will  and  purpose  toward  the  church.  And  many  of  its  predictions 
being  yet  unfulfilled  necessarily  causes  some  difficulty  in  under 
standing  this  book.  It  was  revealed  to  John",  while  living  in 
banishment  on  the  barren  Isle  of  Patmos ;  and  appears  to  have 
been  written  by  him  at  nearly  the  close  of  his  life.  He  foretells 
events  relative  to  the  church  of  Christ,  from  that  period  to. the 
end  of  time. 

In  reading  this  book,  those  who  are  ambitious  and  greedy  of 
knowledge,  will  find  themselves  greatly  mortified ;  for  there  are 
many  parts  too  deep  for  a  giant  to  ford,  while  there  are  shallows 
that  a  child  may  wade.  Some,  who  are  timorous,  object  to  the 
study  of  this  book,  on  account  of  the  presumptuous  having  failed 
in  their  interpretations  of  some  difficult  parts.  But  that  should 
not  deter  us  from  looking  diligently  into  those  prophecies.  Let 
us  imitate  the  pious  Israelites,  while  we  read  this  book;  they 
looked  carefully  into  the  darkest  prophecies  of  the  Old  Testament, 
and  patiently  waited  for  the  consolation  of  Israel.  If  we  imitate 
them,  we  shall  find  that  those  parts  we  cannot  walk  through,  we 
may  swim  in ;  and  afterwards  do  as  Paul  did,  sit  down  on  the 
brink  and  admire  the  depth :  Kom.  xi.  3.  In  this  book  of  revela- 
tions, God  has,  in  a  most  striking  manner,  given  displays  of  him- 
self —  heaven  —  heavenly  things  —  the  kingdom  of  his  Provi- 
dence and  Grace  —  the  glory  of  the  Redeemer  —  the  character 
and  happiness  of  his  people  —  the  wickedness  and  destruction  of 
his  enemies  —  the  resurrection  of  the  dead  —  the  last  judgment 

—  who  shall  enter  eternal  happiness,  and  who  shall  be  excluded 

—  and  in  a  most  awful  manner  threatens  those  who  shall  alter, 
add  to,  or  take  from  any  part  of  this  prophecy  —  and  the  apostol- 
ical benediction  concludes  the  whole. 

The  Old  Testament  closes  with  a  curse;  and  the  Xew  Testa- 
ment ends  with  a  blessing,  "  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
he  with  you  all,    Amen,^^    So  prays  the  Author, 


360 


CHARACTER  OF  THE  FIRST  CHRISTIANS. 


My  Young  Eeader.  I  have  now  gone  through  all  the  books 
of  the  sacred  Scriptures,  and  have  brought  into  a  few  pages  a 
summary  of  the  whole;  and  which,  I  hope,  will  greatly  assist 
you  in  forming  a  more  intimate  acquaintance  with  that  best  of 
ALL  BOOKS.  But  scciug  it  is  not  enough  that  we  know  the  Bible, 
but  should  LIVE  the  Bible,  let  us  turn  our  attention  to  it  again, 
and  see  how  Christians  used  to  live.  It  must  be  acknowledged 
that  thQ first  ages  of  the  Church  of  Christ  were  the  purest;  and 
if  we  are  desirous  to  know  how  we  should  perform  our  duty,  we 
have  only  to  give  up  our  preconceived  opinions,  and  turn  to  the 
New  Testament,  where  we  shall  find  a  model  for  our  lives. 

The  first  Christians  were  deeply  impressed  with  a  sense  of 
their  guilt  and  danger  at  the  time  of  their  conversion :  Acts  ii. 
37;  ix.  6;  xvi.  29,  30.  They  evinced  a  change  of  heart  by  a 
change  of  life :  1  Cor.  vi.  11 ;  Eph.  ii.  5,  6.  They  had  faith  in 
Christ  Jesus :  Col.  i.  3,  4 ;  2  Thess.  i.  3.  They  walked  in  the 
fear  of  God :  Acts  ix.  31.  They  had  peace  with  God :  Rom.  v.  1. 
The  love  of  God  was  shed  abroad  in  their  hearts :  Eom.  v.  5. 
They  had  joy  in  God :  Eom.  v.  11.  His  Spirit  bore  witness  with 
theirs  that  they  were  his  children :  Eom.  viii.  16.  They  praised 
God,  or  spoke  well  of  him  to  others :  Acts  ii.  47 ;  Eph.  v.  19. 
Sin  had  no  dominion  over  them :  Eom.  vi.  14,  15.  They  were 
freed  from  sin  and  served  God :  Eom.  vi.  22.  They  received  the 
Gospel  with  gladness,  and  were  all  baptized  after  receiving  it : 
Acts  ii.  41 ;  xviii.  8.  They  searched  the  Scriptures  daily,  to  see 
whether  what  their  ministers  told  them  agreed  Avith  the  word  of 
God:  Acts  xvii.  11.  They  frequently  met  to  break  bread;  or 
partake  of  the  Lord's  Supper:  Acts  ii.  46;  xx.  7-11;  1  Cor.  xi. 
26.  They  regularly  attended  public  worship  :  Acts  iii.  1 ;  xx.  7. 
They  attended  to  private  devotion :  Acts  ii.  42  ;  x.  9.  They  met 
for  social  prayer :  Acts  xii.  12 ;  xvi.  25.  They  not  only  wor- 
shipped God  in  the  day,  but  late  at  night:  Acts  xx.  7.  They 
prayed,  not  only  for  their  friends,  but  for  their  foes  also  :  Acts 
vii.  60.  They  highly  esteemed  their  ministers,  and  prayed  for 
them :  Acts  xx.  37,  38 ;  xii.  5.  They  took  care  of  their  ministers : 
Phil.  ii.  25 ;  iv.  10-19 ;  and  their  ministers,  in  return,  took  good 
care  of  them:  2  Cor.  vi.  11.    Their  love  extended  to  all  the 


CHARACTER  OF  THE  FIRST  CHRISTIANS.  361 


brethren :  Eph.  i.  15 ;  1  Thess.  iv.  9,  10 ;  Heb.  xiii.  1 ;  1  Pet.  i. 
12,  22,    Their  charity  abounded  to  all  who  were  in  want :  Acts 

xi.  29,  30;  Eom.  xv.  26;  1  Cor.  xvi.  1-3;  2  Cor.  viii.  2,  3;  2 
Thess.  i.  3 ;  Philemon  7 ;  3  John  6.  Great  unanimity  and  union 
prevailed  amongst  them :  Acts  iv.  32.  They  were  diligent  in 
spreading  the  religion  of  Jesus :  Acts  viii.  35-40.  They  were 
liberal  to  the  utmost  of  their  ability:  Acts  ii.  44,  45;  iv.  34. 
They  separated  themselves  from  the  wicked :  1  Cor.  v.  11 ;  2 
Thess.  iii.  6-14.  They  were  humble  from  a  sense  of  their  own 
unworthiness :  1  Cor.  xv.  9 ;  Eph.  iii.  8 ;  1  Tim.  i.  13-16.  They 
walked  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after  the  Spirit :  Eom.  viii.  1. 
They  were  sober  in  all  their  deportment :  1  Peter  iv.  4.  They 
were  patient,  yea,  joyful,  in  afftiction:  Acts  xiii.  50-52;  Eom. 
V.  3;  2  Thess.  i.  4;  Heb.  x.  34.  They  cheerfully  endured  the 
greatest  suffering  for  Christ's  sake :  Acts  v.  40 ;  vii.  58 ;  viii.  1 ; 

xii.  2 ;  xiii.  50 ;  xiv»  22 ;  xvi.  23 ;  2  Thess.  i.  4.  They  knew  that 
whatever  befell  them  was  all  for  their  good :  Eom.  viii.  28.  They 
willingly  parted  with  all  things  for  Christ :  Phil.  iii.  7,  8.  They 
ever  acknowledged  themselves  debtors  to  the  grace  of  God  for  aL^ 
they  possessed:  1  Cor.  xv.  10.  They  chose  rather  to  hearken 
unto  God  than  unto  man,  regardless  of  all  consequences :  Acts 
ivo  19.  They  were  willing  to  die  in  the  cause  of  their  Eedeemer, 
rather  than  shrink  from  their  duty :  Acts  xx.  23,  24 ;  2  Tim.  iv. 
6-8.  They  knew,  that,  let  them  die  when,  where,  or  how  they 
might,  heaven  to  them  was  secure :  2  Cor.  v.  1 ;  Phil.  i.  21. 

Eor  the  want  of  room,  I  have  only  been  able  to  give  you  an 
outline  of  this  lovely  picture  ;  but  hope  you  will  be  enabled  to 
fill  it  up  yourself.  Eemember,  that  your  relation  to  the  body  of 
Christ  stamps  upon  you  a  sacred  character,  and  produces  a  great 
responsibility :  1  Cor.  xi.  3 ;  Eom.  xii.  4,  -5.  Walk  worthy  of 
the  vocation  wherewith  ye  are  called : Eph.  iv.  1.  Let  no 
corrupt  communication  proceed  out  of  your  mouth,  but  that 
which  is  good  to  the  use  of  edifying,  that  it  may  minister  grace 
unto  the  hearers  :  "  Eph.  iv.  29.  Let  all  bitterness,  and  wrath, 
and  anger,  and  clamor,  and  evil-speaking,  be  put  away  from  you, 
with  all  malice  :  Eph.  iv.  31.  And  resolve,  through  grace,  to 
follow  those  "  who  through  faith  and  patience  inherit  the  .prom- 


362 


THE  MIRACLES  OF  CHRIST. 


ises  : Heb.  vi.  12.  Those  Christians  are  the  best  who  resemble 
Christ  the  most. 

THE  MIRACLES   OF  CHRIST. 

From  the  New  Testament  writers  it  appears  evident,  that  but 
a  very  small  number  of  the  miracles  of  Christ  are  recorded.  A 
MIRACLE  is  an  astonishing  effect,  either  superior  or  contrary  to 
the  laws  of  nature.  We  must  allow  that  the  laws  of  nature  are 
all  very  good;  but  to  pretend  that  they  are  so  fixed,  that  no 
miracle  can  be  wrought,  would  be  to  bind  the  Almighty  down  to 
second  causes.  And  not  to  give  credit  to  miracles,  because  they 
are  contrary  to  nature  and  the  common  observation  of  mankind, 
is  stupid  beyond  degree.  For  if  miracles  were  not  contrary  to 
common  observation,  or  could  be  produced  by  natural  causes, 
they  would  be  no  miracles  at  all.  God  has  done  much  —  but 
when  He  works  a  miracle  He  does  a  little  more. 


The  centurion's  servant  healed, 

Matt.  viii.  5-13. 

The  tempest  stilled, 

Matt.  viii.  23-27. 

Two  demoniacs  of  Gadara  cured, 

Matt.  viii.  28-34. 

A  man  sick  of  the  palsy  cured, 

Matt.  ix.  1-8. 

Jairus's  daughter  raised. 

Matt.  ix.  18-26. 

Two  blind  men  restored  to  sight. 

Matt.  ix.  27-31. 

A  dumb  demoniac  cured. 

Matt.  ix.  32,  33. 

A  man  with  a  withered  hand  cured. 

Matt.  xii.  9-13. 

A  blind  and  dumb  demoniac  cured. 

Matt.  xii.  22,  23. 

Five  thousand  fed, 

Matt.  xiv.  15-21. 

Christ  walks  on  the  sea, 

Matt.  xiv.  22-33. 

Canaanitish  woman's  daughter  cured. 

Matt.  XV.  21-28. 

Four  thousand  fed, 

Matt.  XV.  32-39. 

A  lunatic  possessed  of  a  devil  cured, 

Matt.  xvii.  14-21. 

Procures  tribute  money  from  a  fish, 

Matt.  xvii.  24-27. 

Two  blind  men  restored  to  sight, 

Matt.  XX.  29-34. 

The  fig-tree  blasted, 

Matt.  xxi.  18-21. 

A  demoniac  cured. 

Mark  i.  23-28. 

Peter's  mother-in-law  healed, 

Mark  i.  29-31. 

A  leper  healed. 

Mark  i.  40-45. 

A  man  both  deaf  and  dumb  cured, 

Mark  vii.  31-37. 

A  blind  man  restored  to  sight. 

Mark  viii.  22-26. 

Great  draught  of  fishes, 

Luke  V.  1-11. 

THE  PARABLES  OF  CHRIST. 


363 


Widow's  son  raised  from  the  dead,  Luke  vii.  11-17. 

A  woman  with  an  issue  healed,  Luke  viii.  43-48. 

A  crooked  woman  cured,  Luke  xiii.  10-17. 

A  man  cured  of  the  dropsy,  Luke  xiv.  1-6. 

Ten  lepers  cleansed,  Luke  xvii.  11-19. 

Malchus's  ear  healed,  Luke  xxii.  50,  51. 

Water  turned  into  wine,  Joh"^  ii.  1-14, 

A  nobleman's  son  cured,  John  iv.  46-54, 

A  cripple  at  Bethesda  cured,  John  v.  1-9. 

A  man  born  blind  restored  to  sight,  John  ix.  " 

Lazarus  raised  to  life,  John  xi.  " 

Surprising  draught  of  fishes,  John  xxi.  1-14. 

THE  PARABLES  OF  CHRIST. 

Parables  are  figures  used  to  represent  truths.  Our  Lord,  in 
his  parables,  has  taken  similitudes  from  natural  things  to  repre- 
sent spiritual  things.  It  was  anciently  common  for  philosophers 
to  utter  their  sentiments  in  parables.  And  that  the  prophets 
made  use  of  parables  is  very  evident  from  the  following  passages  : 
Judges  ix.  7 ;  2  Sam.  xii.  1 ;  xiv.  1 ;  1  Kings  xx.  39 ;  2  Kings 
xiv.  9 ;  Isa.  v.  1,  &c.  The  mode  of  instruction  by  parables  was 
very  common  in  our  Saviour^s  time ;  and  He  carried  it  to  the 
height  of  excellency  and  usefulness.  In  order  to  understand  a 
parable,  observe,  1st.  It  is  not  necessary  that  the  representation 
be  strictly  true;  nor  that  all  the  actions  spoken  of  be  strictly 
just ;  because  the  design  of  the  parable  is  not  to  inform  concern- 
ing these,  but  some  important  truth,  2d.  We  must  carefully 
gather  the  scope  of  the  parable  from  what  has  preceded  or  im- 
mediately follows  it.  3d.  Several  circumstances  may  be  added 
in  a  parable  for  the  sake  of  decorum,  that  cannot  be  illustrated 
in  the  explication  of  it ;  we  must,  therefore,  chiefly  attend  to 
the  design  of  the  parable  itself.    We  have  the  following  recorded. 

The  sower,  Matt.  xiii.  1-23. 

The  tares  among  the  wheat,  Matt.  xiii.  24-30. 

The  grain  of  mustard  seed.  Matt.  xiii.  31,  32. 

The  leaven  in  the  meal.  Matt.  xiii.  33. 

The  hidden  treasure.  Matt.  xiii.  44. 

The  pearl  of  great  price,  Matt.  xiii.  45,  46. 


364  REMABKABLE  DISCOURSES  OF  CHRIST. 


The  net  cast  into  the  sea, 

Matt.  xiii.  47-50. 

The  unmerciful  servant, 

Matt,  xviii.  21-35. 

The  laborers  in  the  vineyard. 

Matt.  XX.  1-16. 

The  two  sons. 

Matt.  xxi.  28-32. 

The  wicked  husbandmen, 

Matt.  xxi.  33-46. 

The  marriage-feast. 

Matt.  xxii.  1-10. 

The  man  without  a  wedding  garment, 

Matt.  xxii.  11-13. 

The  ten  virgins. 

Matt.  XXV.  1-13. 

The  talents, 

Matt.  XXV.  14-30. 

The  sheep  and  goats, 

,   Matt.  XXV.  31-46. 

The  seed  growing  secretly, 

Mark  iv.  26-29. 

The  two  debtors. 

Luke  vii.  36-50. 

The  good  Samaritan, 

Luke  X.  25-37. 

The  rich  fool, 

Luke  xii.  13-21. 

The  servants  who  waited  for  their  Lord, 

Luke  xii.  35-48. 

The  barren  fig-tree, 

Luke  xiii.  6-9. 

The  lost  sheep, 

Luke  XV.  3-7. 

The  lost  piece  of  money. 

Luke  XV.  8-10. 

The  prodigal  son. 

Luke  XV.  11-32. 

The  unjust  steward, 

Luke  xvi.  1-12. 

The  rich  man  and  Lazarus, 

Luke  xvi.  19-31. 

The  importunate  widow, 

Luke  xviii.  1-8. 

The  Pharisee  and  Publican, 

Luke  xviii.  9-14. 

The  pounds  delivered  for  trading. 

Luke  xix.  11-27. 

REMARKABLE  DISCOURSES   OF  CHRIST. 

There  can  be  no  doubt  but  an  incredible  number  of  volumes 
must  have  been  written^  had  all  Christ's  discourses  been  recorded. 
But  Infinite  Wisdom  saw,  that  such  a  vast  number  of  Holy  Writ- 
ings would  have  allowed  us  no  time  for  reading  anything  else ; 
nor  even  meditating  upon  what  we  did  read,  or  had  expounded 
unto  us;  hence  God  has  seen  fit  to  leave  us  no  more  than  what 
we  are  capable  of  improving.  The  following  are  some  of  the 
most  REMARKABLE  DISCOURSES  delivered  by  our  blessed  Lord  and 
Saviour. 

Sermon  upon  the  Mount,  Matt.  v.  vi.  vii. 

Ordination  charge  to  the  apostles.  Matt.  x. 

Woes  against  Chorazin,  &c.  Matt.  xi.  20-24. 

Discourse  on  the  breach  of  the  Sabbath,  Matt.  xii.  1-8. 


PROPHECIES  WITH  THEIR  EDLFILMENT. 


365 


Refutation  of  the  false  charge, 

Matt.  xii.  22-37. 

Discourse  on  internal  purity, 

Matt.  XV.  1-26. 

Against  giving  offence, 

Matt,  xviii. 

Directions  how  to  obtain  heaven, 

Matt.  xix.  16-30. 

Discourse  on  his  own  sufferings, 

Matt.  XX.  17-19. 

Woes  against  the  Pharisees,  &c. 

Matt,  xxiii. 

Predictions  concerning  Jerusalem, 

Matt.  xxiv. 

Discourse  on  the  way  to  Gethsemane, 

Matt.  xxvi.  31-36. 

-Discourse  with  his  disciples. 

Matt,  xxviii.  16-20. 

In  the  synagogue  of  Nazareth, 

Luke  iv.  16-32. 

Woes  against  the  Pharisees,  &c. 

Luke  xi.  37-54. 

Discourse  on  humility  and  prudence. 

Luke  xiv.  7-14. 

Conversation  with  Nicodemus, 

John  iii.  1-21. 

With  the  w^oman  of  Samaria, 

John  iv.  1-42. 

Discourse  concerning  the  impotent  man, 

John  V. 

"       on  the  bread  of  life, 

John  vi. 

"       at  the  feast  of  tabernacles, 

John  vii. 

"      on  occasion  of  the  adulteress, 

John  viii.  1-11. 

"       concerning  the  sheep. 

John  X. 

"      of  consolation. 

John  xiv. 

PROPHECIES  WITH  THEIR  FULFILMENT. 

Prophecies  are  predictions  of  future  events.  The  prophecies 
concerning  Christ  became  more  clear  and  minute^  as  their  accom- 
plishment drew  near.  The  whole  chain  of  prophecy,  extending 
from  Eden's  garden  to  Calvary's  cross,  which  was  first  given  to 
the  Jews,  and  is  still  retained  by  them,  when  compared  with  its 
accomplishment,  most  strikingly  proves  the  reality  of  the  Chris- 
tian religion;  and  is  well  calculated  to  fill  the  mind  wdtli  the 
most  exalted  views  of  the  Eedeemer.  The  following  list  of  pre- 
dictions with  their  fulfilment,  will,  I  hope,  greatly  assist  the 
young  reader  in  his  search  after  Divine  truth,  which  alone  can 
make  him  truly  wise ;  and  by  which  we  must  all  stand  or  fall. 
In  addition  to  the  above  remarks,  I  would  also  state,  that,  in 
order  to  understand  the  prophetic  language  of  the  Bible,  there 
ought  to  be  an  acquaintance  with  the  Scriptures  in  general  —  the 
events  of  Providence  —  the  plan  of  salvation  —  and  particularly 
with  the  symbolical  language  of  the  prophecies  —  especially  the 
names  given  to  Christ,  antichrist,  the  church,  nations,  &c.  &c. 


366  PROPHECIES  WITH  THEIR  FULFILMENT. 


PREDICTIONS. 

Gen.  iii.  15. 

Gen.  xviii.  18 :  xxii.  18. 

Gen.  xlix.  10. 

Exod.  xii.  46. 

Numb.  xxiv.  17. 

Deut.  xviii.  15,  18. 

Job  xix.  25,  26. 

Ps.  xl.  6-8. 

Ps.  xli.  9. 

Ps.  Ixxxix.  19. 

Ps.  cxviii.  25,  26. 

Ps.  cxviii.  22. 

Ps.  ii.  1. 

Ps.  xxii :  Ixix. 

Ps.  xvi.  10. 

Ps.  Ixviii.  17,  18. 

Ps.  ex.  1-4. 

Ps.  ii.  6-8. 

Ps.  xcvii.  7,  8:  cii.  25-27. 
Isa.  vi.  9. 
Isa.  vii.  14. 
Isa.  ix.  1,  2. 
Isa.  xi.  10 :  ix. 
Isa.  xi.  1,  2. 
Isa.  Ixi.  1-3. 
Isa.  xl.  3. 
Isa.  XXXV.  3-6. 
Isa.  liii. 
Isa.  Ix.  2,  3. 
Jer.  xxiii.  5,  6. 


6,  7  :  viii.  14. 


FULFILMENT. 

Gal.  iv.  4 :  1  John  iii.  8. 
Gal.  iii.  8,  16 :  Matt.  i.  1. 
John  X.  36 :  xvii.  18,  21,  23. 

John  xix.  33-36. 
Rev.  xxii.  16. 
Acts  vii.  37. 

1  Cor.  XV.  22-26 :  1  Thess.  iv.  16,  17. 

Heb.  X.  5-30. 
Matt.  xxvi.  47. 
Col.  i.  14,  15 :  Rev.  xix.  16. 

Matt.  xxi.  9. 

Matt.  xxi.  42 :  Eph.  ii.  20 :  1  Pet.  ii.  7. 

Acts  iv.  26,  27. 
Matt,  xxvii.  35,  46,  48 ;  John  xix.  23,  24. 
Acts  ii.  31 :  xiii.  33,  38 :  1  Cor.  xv.  54. 

Eph.  iv.  8 :  Col.  ii.  15. 
Matt.  xxii.  42,  44 :  Acts  ii.  33 :  Heb.  v.  6. 
Acts  xiii.  33 :  Heb.  v.  4 :  Rev.  ii.  27. 

Heb.  i.  6,  10-12. 
Matt.  xiii.  13. 
Matt.  i.  20-23. 
Matt.  iv.  14-16. 
Rom.  ix.  33 :  1  Pet.  ii.  8. 
John  iii.  3,  4 ;  Col.  ii.  3 :  John  i.  32. 

Luke  iv.  18-21. 
Matt.  iii.  1-3 :  1  Tim.  iii.  16. 

Matt.  xi.  2-6. 
Matt,  xxvi :  xxvii. 
Matt,  xxviii.  19 :  Rev.  xxi.  21,  24. 

Luke  i.  32,  33. 


Ezek.  xxxiii.  23,  24 :  xxxvii.  21-24. 


Hos.  xi.  1. 
Dan.  vii.  13,  14. 
Dan.  ix.  24,  26. 
Dan.  ix.  27. 
Micah  V.  2. 
Haggai  ii.  6,  7,  9. 
Zech.  vi.  12. 
Zech.  ix.  9» 


John  X.  1,  16:  John  i.  49: 
xix.  19,  2L 
Matt.  ii.  19-'21. 
Matt.  xxiv.  30 :  xxvi.  64 :  xxviii.  18. 

John  i.  41 :  Heb.  ix.  26. 

Matt.  xxiv.  15. 
Matt.  ii.  1,  6  :  Luke  ii.  4-7. 
Luke  ii.  10,  11,  27 :  Heb.  xii.  26. 

Luke  i.  78,  79. 
Matt.  xxi.  5 :  John  xii.  15. 


FIGURATIVE  LANGUAGE  OF  THE  BIBLE.  367 


Zech.  xi.  12,  13.  Matt.  xxvi.  15. 

Zech.  xiii.  7.  Matt.  xxvi.  46,  47. 

Zech.  xii.  10.  John  xix.  34-37  :  Acts  ii.  23. 

MaL  iii.  1.  Matt.  iii.  1-3 :  xi.  10. 

Joel  ii.  28-32.  Acts  ii.  16-2L 


FIGURATIVE  LANGUAGE  OF  THE  BIBLE. 

The  Bible  abounds  with  figures  drawn  from  nature ;  such  as 
light,  darkness,  sun,  moon,  stars,  earth,  mountains,  trees,  water, 
&c.  —  from  the  persons  and  actions  of  men,  as  Adam,  Moses, 
David,  Elijah,  &c.  —  and  from  the  history  of  the  church,  &c.  The 
Bible  itself  is  the  best  guide  to  the  interpretation  of  its  own 
figures :  —  as  the  Epistle  to  the  Hebrews  to  the  ceremonial  law. 
The  discourses  of  our  Saviour  are  highly  figurative ;  and  in  con- 
sequence of  their  true  meaning  having  been  mistook,  and  a  literal 
application  given  to  those  places  which  are  only  intended  Jigurcir 
tively,  the  most  absurd  notions  have  been  published  for  divinely- 
taught  doctrines.  A  few  examples  will  be  sufficient  to  show  you 
that  all  the  expressions  of  our  Lord  are  not  to  be  literally  under- 
stood.   For  instance : 

The  Eedeemer,  when  speaking  to  the  Jews,  said,  ^^I  am  the 
living  bread  which  came  down  from  hcc^ven ;  if  any  man  eat  of 
this  bread  he  shall  live  forever ;  and  the  bread  that  I  will  give 
is  my  flesh,  which  I  will  give  for  the  life  of  the  world :  John  vi. 
51.  The  Jews,  understanding  his  words  literally,  said,  "  How  can 
this  man  give  us  his  flesh  to  eat  ?  not  considering  that  he  alluded 
to  the  sacrifice  he  was  about  to  make  in  the  offering  of  himself 
for  the  sins  of  the  world:  1  John  ii.  2.  In  the  institution  of 
the  Lord's  Supper,  he  said  of  the  bread,  "  This  is  my  body  and 
of  the  wine,  "  This  is  my  blood :  Matt.  xxvi.  26-29.  And  upon 
these  words  some  have  put  such  a  forced  construction,  as  to  teach 
that  the  bread  and  the  wine  are,  by  saying  a  few  words  over  them, 
converted,  or  changed,  into  the  7*eal  human  ^es^  and  blood  of  the 
Saviour,  just  as  it  was  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary  !  When,  it  is 
plain,  the  Saviour  intended  that  the  bread  represented  his  body, 
and  the  wine,  his  blood  ;  and  that  by  breaking  and  eating  the 
one,  and  pouring  out  and  drinking  the  other,  he  required  all  his 


368 


FIGUKATIVE  LANGUAGE  OF  THE  BIBLE. 


followers  to  keep  up  a  perpetual  remembrance  of  his  death,  til] 
he  came  again ;  1  Cor.  xi.  23-27.  Christ  calls  himself  the  door 
John  X.  7-10,  the  vine,  John  xv.  1,  and  the  shepherd,  John 
X.  11 5  and  we  are  very  well  assured,  that,  literally^  he  was  neither 
the  one  nor  the  other.  You  will  find  the  following  to  be  the 
most  remarkable  figures  of  speech  in  the  Bible ;  and  by  making 
yourself  acquainted  with  them,  you  will  find  a  key  to  unlock  an 
invaluable  treasure. 

A  Metaphor  is  a  word  applied  to  some  use  to  which,  in  its 
literal  meaning,  it  could  not  be  put:  but  is  founded  on  the  simili- 
tude one  object  bears  to  another :  such  as.  For  the  sword  to  devour 
flesh:  Deut.  xxxii.  42.  To  be  horn  again:  John  iii.  3,  7.  To 
bridle  the  tongue :  James  i.  26. 

An  Allegory  is  a  metaphor  continued :  as  the  Saviour's  dis- 
course concerning  the  eating  of  his  own  flesh :  John  vi.  35-65. 

A  Parable  is  a  similitude ;  and  illustrates  something  we  do 
not  know,  by  a  statement  of  something  we  are  familiar  with ;  and 
is  used  to  impress  it  more  deeply  on  the  mind :  as,  the  Lost  sheep, 
the  Prodigal  son,  &c. :  Luke  xv. 

A  Proverb  is  a  short  energetic  sentence,  containing  great  mean- 
ing in  a  few  words  ;  and  a  wise  man  will  understand  them.  The 
requisites  of  a  proverb  are  elegance  and  brevity :  Pro  v.  i.  1-6 ; 
X.  15 ;  Luke  iv.  23. 

A  Metonymy  is  a  figure  of  speech  in  which  one  word  is  put 
for  another :  as,  "  They  have  Moses  and  the  prophets :  meaning 
their  writings  and  not  their  persons  :  Luke  xvi.  29. 

A  Prosopoeia,  or  personification,  is  a  figure  by  which  things 
are  spoken  of  as  persoyis :  as,  "  Mercy  and  truth  are  met  together ; 
righteousness  and  peace  have  kissed  each  other :  Ps.  Ixxxv.  10. 

A  Synecdoche  is  a  figure  by  which  the  whole  is  put  for  a  part 
of  anything,  or  a  part  for  the  whole ;  as,  "  All  the  world  should  he 
taxed;''  when  no  more  is  meant  than  the  Eoman  empire:  Luke 
ii.  1.  "  And  we  were  in  all  in  the  ship  two  hundred  threescore 
and  sixteen  souls;''  when  persons,  hodies  and  souls,  are  intended. 

Irony  is  a  figurative  form  of  speech,  in  which  the  meaning  is 
contrary  to  what  is  spoken;  and  though  there  are  not  many 
examples  of  the  kind  in  the  Bible,  there  are  some  few :  such  as 


SYMBOLICAL  LANGUAGE  OF  THE  BIBLE.  369 

Elijah's  address  to  the  prophets  of  Baai:  1  Kings  xviii.  27;  and 
Job's  remark  to  his  friends :  Job  xii.  2.  Though  a  different 
thing  is  meant  from  what  is  spoken^  irony  may  readily  be  under- 
stood. If  a  father  should  say  to  his  son  who  had  disobeyed  him, 
"  You  are  a  good  lad!^^  —  the  son  would  well  understand  his 
father  to  mean,  that  he  was  a  bad  lad, 

A  Hyperbole  is  a  figure  by  which  anything  is  represented 
as  being  much  greater,  or  smaller,  than  what  it  really  iS;  and 
examples  of  which  you  will  find  recorded  in  the  foUowiug  pas- 
sages ;  Numb.  xiii.  33 ;  Deut.  i.  28 ;  John  xxi.  25. 

SYMBOLICAL  LANGUAGE  OF  THE  BIBLE. 

A  Symbol  is  an  abridgment,  comprehending  in  its  figure  a  rep- 
resentation of  something  else.  And  a  knowledge  of  the  symboli- 
cal language  of  the  Bible  is  of  great  importance,  in  order  to.  our 
understanding,  and  profiting  by  what  we  read.  And  that  you 
might  the  more  readily  find  those  words,  the  sense  of  which  you 
may  be  desirous  to  know,  you  have  the  following  index,  alpha- 
betically arranged,  with*  what  is  generally  believed  the  true 
meaning  of  each  word ;  and  also  the  chapter  and  verse  where  it 
is  recorded. 

Abaddon,  in  Hebrew,  is  the  same  as  Apollyon  in  Greek ;  and 
is  a  name  given  to  the  angel  of  the  bottomless  pit :  Eev.  ix.  11. 

Abomination;  a  thing  very  hateful;  as,  (1.)  That  which  men 
abhor :  Gen.  xliii.  32 ;  Prov.  xxix.  27.  (2.)  Sin  in  general :  Isa. 
Ixvi.  3 ;  Ezek.  xvi.  60,  51.  (3.)  An  idol :  2  Kings  xxiii.  13 ;  Isa. 
xliv.  19.  (4.)  An  idolater :  Isa.  xli.  24.  (5.)  Wicked  doctrines  and 
practices :  Eev.  xvii.  4.  (6.)  The  Eoman  army  with  their  idola- 
trous ensigns,  that  destroyed  the  temple  and  Jewish  polity: 
Matt.  xxiv.  15. 

Adulteress  ;  A  person,  city,  or  church,  who  forsakes  the  true 
God  to  follow  a  false  one :  Isa.  i.  21 ;  Eev.  xvii.  5. 

Adultery  ;  Idolatry,  and  apostacy  from  God :  Jer.  iii.  8,  9 ; 
Ezek.  xxiii.  8 ;  Eev.  ii.  22. 

Angel;  A  messenger;  and  is  applied  to  (1.)  Those  spiritual 
and  intelligent  beings  employed  by  God  to  execute  his  orders  of 
providence :  Ezek.  x.  8-22 ;  Heb.  i.  4-7,  14 ;  Eev.  iv.  6  j  v.  11 ; 


370  SYMBOLICAL  LANGUAGE  OF  THE  BIBLE. 

xxii.  8.  (2.)  Apostate,  or  fallen  spirits :  Matt.  xxv.  41 ;  2  Pet. 

11.  4 ;  Jude  6.    (3.)  Ministers  of  the  gospel :  Eev.  i.  20 ;  ii.  1,  8, 

12,  18.  (4.)  The  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  brought  us  salvation : 
Zech.  i.  11,  12 ;  Kev.  x.  1. 

Apollyon  ;  in  Greek  is  the  same  as  Abaddon  in  Hebrew :  See 
Abaddon, 

Arm;  (1.)  The  Almighty  power  of  God:  Exod.  vi.  6;  Isa.  lii. 
10;  Ixii.  8;  Ixiii.  12;  Jer.  xxvii.  5.  (2.)  Jesus  Christ  is  called 
the  "  arm  of  the  Lord :  Isa.  liii.  1.  (3.)  The  strength  and  sup- 
port, protection  and  provision,  which  God  gives  to  his  people : 
Isa.  xxxiii.  2.  (4.)  The  saving  power,  love,  and  compassion  of 
Christ :  Isa.  xl.  11 ;  John  xii.  38.  (5.)  God's  gracious  influence 
upon  mankind :  Isa.  li.  9.  (6.)  The  influence  of  men :  Ps.  x.  15 ; 
xxxvii.  17;  Jer.  xvii.  6. 

Arrows  ;  are  (1.)  Apprehensions  of  divine  displeasure :  Job 
vi.  4 ;  Ps.  xxxviii.  2.  (2.)  The  judgments  of  God :  2  Sam.  xxii. 
15 ;  Lam.  iii.  12 ;  Ezek.  v.  16 ;  Hab.  iii.  11.  (3.)  The  malice,  slan- 
der, and  abuse  of  wicked  men :  Ps.  xi.  2 ;  Ixiv.  3 ;  Prov.  xxv.  18 ; 
xxvi.  18 ;  Jer.  ix.  8.  (4.)  The  means  made  use  of  by  the  wicked 
to  injure  others :  Ps.  Ivii.  4. 

Babes  ;  are  (1.)  Weak-minded  and  insignificant  persons,  who 
lack  understanding :  Isa.  iii.  4 ;  Matt.  xi.  25 ;  Eom.  ii.  20.  (2.) 
Such  as  are  weak  in  faith,  know  but  little,  and  are  given  to 
change :  1  Cor.  iii.  1 ;  Heb.  v.  13.  (3.)  Believers  who  are  hum- 
ble, harmless  and  teachable,  and  feed  on  the  pure  milk  of  gospel 
truths  :  1  Pet.  ii.  2. 

Babylon  ;  The  city  of  Kome  ;  so  called  on  account  of  the 
wickedness,  idolatry,  cruelty,  and  persecutions,  that  have  taken 
place  in  it :  Eev.  xiv.  8  ;  xvi. ;  xvii. ;  xviii. 

Balaam;  Palse  teachers,  who,  like  him,  love  the  wages  of 
unrighteousness :  2  Pet.  ii.  14,  15 ;  Jude  11 ;  Rev.  ii.  15. 

Beast  ;  (1.)  Ministers  of  the  gospel  who  are  bold,  lively,  and 
active,  in  executing  God's  commands :  Rev.  iv. ;  v. ;  vi.  (2.)  Cruel 
and  brutish  men :  1  Cor.  xv.  32 ;  2  Pet.  ii.  12.  (3.)  Antichrist : 
Rev.  xiii.  2 ;  xx.  4. 

Black,  or  Blackness  ;  must  be  understood  according  to  what 
it  is  applied ;  as,  to  gates,  faces,  skin,  or  clothes,  it  denotes  great 


SYiSIBOLICAL  LANGUAGE  OF  THE  BIBLE. 


371 


distress  :  Jer.  viii.  21 ;  xiv.  2 ;  J oel  ii.  6.  To  the  church,  remain- 
ing corruptions  —  and  reproaches :  Song  i.  5,  6.  To  the  hair  of 
the  head,  beauty :  Song  v.  11 ;  and  soundness :  Lev.  xiii.  37. 
The  gloomy  end  of  false  teachers  :  Jude  13. 

Blasphemy  ;  is  (1.)  Idolatry :  Eev.  xiii.  1,  5,  6 ;  xvii.  3.  (2.) 
To  reproach  God  by  ascribing  to  him  anything  sinful :  2  Sam. 
xii.  14;  Titus  ii.  5.  (3.)  To  wilfully  and  maliciously  reject 
Christ  in  opposition  to  the  strongest  convictions  made  on  the 
mind  by  the  Holy  Ghost :  Matt.  xii.  21-31. 

Blindness  ;  Ignorance  of  divine  things :  Isa.  xxix.  18 ;  xiii. 
IS,  19 ;  Ivi.  10 ;  Matt,  xxiii.  16 ;  Eom.  xi.  25 ;  Eph.  iv.  18. 

Blood  ;  (1.)  Slaughter,  or  murder,  with  consequent  guilt :  Gen. 
iv.  10 ;  Matt,  xxvii.  24.  (2.)  The  punishment  due  for  the  shed- 
ding of  blood :  Matt,  xxvii.  25.  (3.)  That  which  is  obtained  by 
taking  away  the  life  of  the  innocent :  Hab.  ii.  12 ;  Acts  i.  19. 
(4.)  The  guilt  and  punishment  of  sin :  Acts  xviii.  6.  (5.)  Fallen 
nature :  Ezek.  xvi.  6 ;  John  i.  13.  (6.)  Symbol  of  the  atonement 
by  Christ :  Matt.  xxvi.  28 ;  Heb.  xiii.  20. 

Body  ;  (1.)  The  sanctified  church  of  Christ,  who  are  united  to 
him  and  to  each  other  by  faith  and  love :  1  Cor.  x.  17 ;  xii.  13, 
27 ;  Eph.  iv.  16  ;  Col.  i.  18.  (2.)  The  whole  of  the  human  family, 
being  made  one  by  Christ:  Eph.  ii.  16;  v.  23 ;  1  Cor.  xi.  3.  (3.) 
Carnal  affections  and  sinful  inclinations :  Kom.  vii.  24 ;  1  Cor. 
ix.  27. 

Book  ;  (1.)  The  counsel  of  God  :  Ps.  xl.  7 ;  cxxxix.  16 ;  Heb.  x. 
7.  (2.)  The  omniscience,  or  remembrance  of  God :  Ps.  Ivi.  8 ; 
Mai.  iii.  16.  (3.)  The  heavenly  record  of  the  people  of  God ; 
Phil.  iv.  3 ;  Kev.  iii.  5 ;  xx.  12,  15 ;  xxii.  19. 

Books  ;  The  consciences  of  men :  Daniel  vii.  10 ;  Kev.  xx.  12. 

Bow ;  (1.)  God's  promise  and  help :  Hab.  iii.  9.  (2.)  Faith  and 
patience ;  Gen.  xlix.  24.  (3.)  Health  and  vigor :  Job  ^xxix.  20. 
(4.)  Evangelical  conquest :  Rev.  vi.  2. 

Bowels  ;  (1.)  The  heart,  or  affections  :  2  Cor.  vi.  12 ;  Philemon 
7.  (2.)  Ardent  love  and  tender  pity  :  Phil.  i.  8.  (3.)  One  dearly 
loved :  Philem.  12.  (4.)  Strong  affection  and  pity :  Col.  iii.  12. 
(5.)  Infinite  compassion  of  God :  Isa.  Ixiii.  15 ;  Jer.  xxxi.  20 ; 
Phil.  ii.  1. 


372  SYMBOLICAL  LANGUAGE  OF  THE  BIBLE. 


Branch  ;  (1.)  Jesus  Christ :  Isa.  xi.  1 ;  Jer.  xxiii.  5 ;  Zech. 
iii.  8  ;  vi.  12.    (2.)  Real  believers  in'  Christ :  J ohn  xv.  5. 

Bread  ;  (1.)  Jesus  Christ,  on  whom  the  Christian  feeds  by 
faith :  John  vi.  35,  41,  48-51.  (2.)  Sound  doctrine :  Deut.  viii.  3 ; 
Isa.  Iv.  2 ;  Matt.  iv.  4.    (3.)  Christian-fellowship  :  1  Cor.  x.  17. 

Bride  ;  The  church  of  Christ :  Rev.  xxi.  9 ;  xxii.  17. 

Bridegroom  ;  Christ  the  Husband  of  his  Church :  Matt.  xxv. 
1-10  5  John  iii.  29 ;  Rev.  xxi.  9. 

Briers;  (1.)  Mischievous  persons:  Ezek.  ii.  6;  xxviii.  24; 
Micah  vii.  4.    (2.)  Sins  and  corruptions  :  Heb.  vi.  8. 

Brimstone;  (1.)  Terrible  judgments:  Deut.  xxix.  23;  Job 
xviii.  15 ;  Ps.  xi.  6 ;  Isa.  xxxiv.  9.  (2.)  The  destruction  of  the 
damned:  Rev.  xxi.  8. 

Bulls  ;  (1.)  Persons  impatient  in  trouble :  Isa.  li.  20.  (2.) 
Wicked  men:  Ps.  xxii.  12;  Ixviii.  30. 

Candle,  imports,  (1.)  The  perfect  knowledge  of  G-od :  Zeph.  i. 
12.  (2.)  God^s  favor  and  blessing :  J ob  xxix.  3.  (3.)  Outward 
prosperity :  Job  xviii.  6 ;  xxi.  17 ;  Ps.  xviii.  28.  (4.)  The  ra- 
tional understanding :  Prov.  xx.  27.  (5.)  The  gifts  of  God  be- 
stowed on  us  for  the  benefit  of  others  :  Matt.  v.  15,  16. 

Candlesticks,  seven  golden  ones.  The  seven  churches  of 
Asia :  Rev.  i.  12,  20. 

Cedars  ;  (1.)  Kings  ;  princes  of  Judah  :  Isa.  ii.  13.  (2.)  Emi- 
nent men :  Zech.  xi.  2.  (3.)  Saints  :  Judges  ix.  15 ;  Ps.  xcii.  12 ; 
Song  i.  17 ;  viii.  9 ;  Isa.  xli.  19.  (4.)  Proud  and  great  men :  Isa. 
ii.  13 ;  X.  33,  34. 

Chaff  ;  (1.)  Evil  workers  and  evil  works :  Isa.  xli.  15,  16 ; 
Hos.  xiii.  3 ;  Matt.  iii.  12.  (2.)  Palse  doctrines :  Jer.  xxiii.  28. 
(3.)  Eruitless  projects :  Isa.  xxxiii.  11. 

Chain  ;  *  (1.)  God's  law :  Prov.  i.  9.  (2.)  Bondage  or  affliction : 
Lam.  iii.  7 ;  2  Tim.  i.  16.  (3.)  Sinful  lusts  and  a  condemning 
conscience  :  2  Pet.  ii.  4 ;  Jude  6.  (4.)  Powerful  restraints  of 
Divine  Providence :  Rev.  xx.  1,  2. 

Clouds  ;  (1.)  Armies  or  multitudes :  Isa.  Ix.  8 ;  Jer.  iv.  13 ; 
Heb.  xii.  1.    (2.)  Heaven  :  Ps.  xxxvi.  5 ;  Ixviii.  34. 

Crown  of  life  ;  glory,  and  righteousness ;  Immortal  happi- 
ness, and  glory  of  heaven :  James  i.  12 ;  Rev.  ii.  10 ;  iii.  11 ;  1 
Pet.  V.  4  5  2  Tim.  iv.  8. 


SYMBOLICAL  LANGUAGE  OF  THE  BIBLE. 


87?) 


Cup  ;  (1.)  The  blessings  of  Providence  and  grace :  Ps.  xxiii. 
6.  (2.)  Grateful  acknowledgment :  Ps.  cxvi.  13.  (3.)  The  wine 
in  the  cup :  1  Cor.  xi.  27.  (4.)  Sufferings  and  afflictions :  Ps. 
Ixxiii.  10  ;  Ixxv.  8  ;  Isa.  li.  17  5  Matt.  xx.  23  ;  xxvi.  39. 

Darkness;  (1.)  Ignorance  and  unbelief:  John  i.  5;  iii.  19; 
Acts  xxvi.  18 ;  Eph.  vi.  12.  (2.)  Great  distress :  Isa.  viii.  22 ; 
Joel  ii.  2;  Matt.  xxii.  13.  (3.)  A  private  place  —  in  parables: 
Matt.  X.  27.    (4.)  Sin  or  impurity  :  1  John  i.  5. 

Day  ;  in  prophetic  language,  is,  generally,  put  for  a  year  ;  and 
a  week  is  seven  years,  and  a  month  is  thirty ;  which  makes  one 
year  of  time,  360  years  :  Ezek.  iv.  5,  6 ;  Dan.  ix.  24  ;  vii.  25.  (1.) 
An  appointed  time :  Isa.  xxxiv.  8.  (2.)  State  of  knowledge :  1 
Thess.  V.  5. 

Death;  (1.)  Insensibility  to  the  evil  of  sin  —  unrenewed  by 
grace  :  Eph.  ii.  1 ;  Eev.  iii.  1.  (2.)  Mortification  of  what  is  .sin- 
ful :  Rom.  vi.  8 ;  1  Pet.  ii.  24.  (3.)  Dominion  and  pollution  of 
sin :  Luke  i.  79  ;  Jude  12 ;  1  John  iii.  14. 

Devil  ;  (1.)  Chief  of  the  fallen  angels  :  Rev.  xii.  9,  10  ;  1  Pet. 
V.  8;  Matt.  iv.  1  to  11.  (2.)  Wicked  men  who  do  his  works  :  John 
vi.  70  ;  viii.  44. 

Dew  ;  (1.)  Jesus  Christ,  and  God  in  him  :  Isa.  xxvi.  19 ;  Hos. 
xiv.  5.    (2.)  Divine  truths  :  Deut.  xxxii.  2. 

Dogs  ;  (1.)  Gentiles  as  sunk  in  impurity  :  Matt.  xv.  26,  27. 
(2.)  Idle,  avaricious  ministers  of  religion  i  Isa.  Ivi.  10,  11 ;  Phil, 
iii.  2.  (3.)  Persecutors :  Ps.  xxii.  16.  (4.)  Open  enemies  to  re- 
ligion :  Matt.  vii.  6.  (5.)  Immodest  and  unclean  persons :  Deut. 
xxiii.  18  ;  Rev.  xxii.  15.  (6.)  Satan :  Ps.  xxii.  20 ;  Matt.  iv.  11 ; 
John  xiv.  30. 

Door  ;  (1.)  Jesus  Christ  the  only  way  into  heaven :  John  x.  7, 
9 ;  xiv.  6.    (2.)  Commencement  of  a  new  government :  Rev.  iv.  1. 

Dragon  ;  (1.)  A  royal  enemy :  Ezek.  xxix.  2,  3.  (2.)  Cruel 
tyrants  :  Ps.  Ixxiv.  13.  (3.)  The  Devil :  Rev.  xii.  9.  (4.)  Wicked 
men :  Isa.  xxxv.  7 ;  xliii.  20.  (5.)  Antichrist :  Rev.  xiii.  2.  (6.) 
Whatever  is  hurtful :  Ps.  xci.  13. 

Drink  ;  (1.)  To  be  satiated  with  slaughter :  Ezek.  xxxix.  18, 
19.  (2.)  Sinning  with  greediness  :  Job  xv.  16.  (3.)  Sufferings  : 
Matt.  XX.  23.  (4.)  Spiritual  delights:  John  iv.  14 3  vii.  37 j 
Song  viii.  2. 


374  SYMBOLICAL  LANGUAGE  OF  THE  BIBLE. 


Drunkenness  ;  (1.)  Delusion,  error,  idolatry,  and  superstition, 
madly  pursued:  Isa.  xxviii.  7;  Eev.  xvii.  2.  (2.)  To  be  ovei^ 
wlielmed  with  afflictions :  Isa.  Ixiii.  6  ;  Jer.  xiii.  13.  (3.)  To  be 
given  to  luxury  and  wantonness :  Hab^  ii.  15 ;  1  Tliess.  v.  7. 

Dust;  (1.)  Death  and  the  grave:  Gen.  iii.  19;  Job  vii.  21;  Ps. 
xxii.  15.  (2.)  Multitude:  Gen.  iii.  16;  Numb,  xxiii.  10.  (3.)  A 
low  condition :  1  Sam.  li.  8 ;  Nahum  iii.  18.  (4.)  Dead  men :  Ps. 
XXX.  9.    (5.)  Earthly  things  :  Amos  ii.  7. 

Eagle;  (1.)  The  kings  of  Babylon  and  Egypt:  Ezek.  xvii.  3,  7. 
(2.)  The  Eoman  army,  whose  standards  were  eagles  :  Deut.  xxviii. 
49 ;  Matt.  xxiv.  28.  (3.)  Emblem  of  strength :  Ps.  ciii.  5 ;  Isa. 
xl.  31. 

Earth;  (1.)  The  human  family:  Gen.  vi.  13;  xi.  1;  Ps.  xcvi.  1. 
(2.)  A  debased  condition :  Rev.  vi.  13 ;  xii.  13. 

Earthen-vessels  ;  human  bodies :  2  Cor.  iv.  7. 

Earthquake;  Alarming  providences:  Ps.  xviii.  7;  xlvi.  2; 
Isa.  xxix.  6 ;  Eev.  vi.  12 ;  viii.  5 ;  xi.  13,  19 ;  xvi.  18. 

Egypt  ;  Antichrist,  or  wickedness  :  Eev.  xi.  8. 

Elders,  twenty-four ;  The  principal  saints  of  the  Old  and  New 
Testaments :  Eev.  iv.  4 ;  vii.  11,  13 ;  xiv.  3. 

Eyes  ;  (1.)  The  infinite  wisdom  and  knowledge  of  God :  Ps.  xi. 
4 ;  xxxii.  8 ;  Prov.  xv.  3.  (2.)  God's  watchful  providence  :  Ps. 
xxxiv.  15 ;  J er.  xxiv.  6.  (3.)  The  penetrating  knowledge  of 
Christ :  Eev.  i.  14.  (4.)  The  minds  and  understandings  of  men  : 
Gen.  iii.  7 ;  Acts  xxvi.  18 ;  xxviii.  27 ;  Eom.  xi.  10 ;  Eph.  i.  18. 
(5.)  A  friendly  counsellor  :  Job  xxix.  15.  (6.)  Human  designs  : 
Matt  vi.  22,  23.    (7.)  The  whole  man  :  Eev.  i.  7. 

Face  ;  (1.)  The  Omniscience  of  the  Lord  :  1  Sam.  xxvi.  20  ; 
Isa.  Ixv.  3.  (2.)  The  displeasure  of  God :  Ps.  xxxiv.  16.  (3.) 
God^s  glory  :  Exod.  xxxiii.  20.  (4.)  The  love  and  favor  of  God  : 
2  Chron.  xxx.  9 ;  Ps.  xxx.  7 ;  Ixxx.  7.  (5.)  Obstinately  impenitent 
sinners :  Jer.  v.  3. 

Family  ;  The  church,  militant  and  triumphant :  Eph.  iii.  16. 

Fan  ;  (1.)  The  judgments  of  God :  Jer.  xv.  7.  (2.)  The  gos- 
pel dispensation  :  Matt.  iii.  12. 

Fat  ;  (1.)  Great  men :  Ps.  xxii.  29 ;  Isa.  v.  17 ;  x.  16 ;  Ezek. 
xxxiv.  10,  20 ;  Jer.  v.  28.  (2.)  Spiritual  blessings :  Ps.  Ixiii.  6 ; 
xcii.  14 ;  Prov.  xi.  25 ;  xiii.  4 ;  xv.  30  ;  xxviii.  25  j  Jer.  xxxi.  14. 


SYMBOLICAL  LANGUAGE  OF  THE  BIBLE. 


375 


Fatling  ;  (1.)  Jesus  Christ :  Luke  xv.  23.  (2.)  The  blessings 
of  the  gospel :  Isa.  xxv.  6 ;  Matt.  xxii.  4.  (3.)  The  saints : 
Isa.  xi.  6. 

Father  ;  (1.)  Creator  and  Preserver :  Mai.  ii.  10 ;  Heb.  xii.  9. 
(2.)  Author  and  Bestower  :  Eph.  i.  17 ;  2  Cor.  i.  3 ;  Job  xxxviii. 
2S,  29.  (3.)  An  inventor  of  any  art ;  or  instructor  of  others : 
Gen.  iv.  20,  21 ;  Judges  xvii.  10 ;  1  Sam.  x.  12 ;  2  Chron.  ii.  13 ; 
2  Kings  ii.  12.  (4.)  Founders  of  cities:  2  Chron.  ii.  3.  (5.)  Old 
Testament  saints :  Heb.  i.  1.  (6.)  The  devil,  who  is  the  author 
of  evil :  John  viii.  44. 

Field  ;  (1.)  The  world  in  which  God  has  placed  us  to  work : 
Matt.  xiii.  38.  (2.)  The  Scriptures,  which  contain  all  that  is 
valuable :  Matt.  xiii.  44. 

Fire  ;  (1.)  God,  who  will  consume  whatever  is  opposed  to  his 
nature,  and  refine  what  is  impure :  Deut.  iv.  24 ;  Isa.  x.  17 ;  Heb. 
xii.  29.    (2.)  Destructive  calamities :  Isa.  xiii.  25;  ixvi.  15;  Ezek. 

xxii.  31.    (3.)   God's  word :  Ps.  xxxix.  3 ;  Jer.  v.  14 ;  xx.  9 ; 

xxiii.  29. 

Fish;  Men,  who  are  numerous  and  frequently  taken:  Ezek. 
xlvii.  9,  10 ;  Hab.  i.  14-17 ;  Matt.  xiii.  47-50. 

Flesh  ;  (1.)  Corruptions  of  our  nature :  Eom.  viii.  8-13.  (2.) 
Legal  righteousness  or  outward  performances :  Eom.  iv.  1-4. 
(3.)  In-dwelling  grace :  Ezek.  xxxvi.  26.  (4.)  That  which  is 
weak  and  helpless  :  Isa.  xxxi.  3.  (5.)  Mortal  man :  Isa.  xl.  6. 
(6.)  Human  attainments  :  Phil.  iii.  3,  4. 

Forehead,  mark  in  the  ;  (1.)  A  public  and  open  profession  of 
religion  or  heresy :  Eev.  vii.  3 ;  xiii.  16 ;  xiv.  1 ;  xxii.  4.  (2.) 
A  jewel  in  the  forehead  —  great  honor  :  Ezek.  xvi.  12. 

Foundation  ;  (1.)  The  purpose  of  God :  2  Tim.  ii.  19.  (2.) 
Christ  Jesus :  Isa.  xxviii.  16 ;  Prov.  x.  25 ;  Eph.  ii.  20 ;  1  Tim. 
vi.  19.  (3.)  Magistrates :  Ps.  Ixxxii.  5.  (4.)  The  first  principles 
of  religion :  Heb.  vi.  1,  2. 

Fountain  ;  (1.)  God,  the  source  of  all  comfort :  Ps.  xxxvi.  9 ; 
Jer.  ii.  13.  (2.)  Jesus  Christ,  through  whom  all  comfort  flows : 
Zech.  xiii.  1.    (3.)  Children,  or  posterity :  Prov.  v.  16. 

Fox  ;  A  sly,  artful  hypocrite,  who  conceals  his  true  character ; 
Luke  xiii.  32. 


376  SYMBOLICAL  LANGUAGE  OF  tME  BIBLE. 


Furnace  ;  (1.)  A  place  of  cruel  bondage :  Deut.  iv.  20  ;  Isa. 
xlviii.  10;  Jer.  xi.  4.  (2.)  Calamity  by  which  God  refines  his 
people :  Isa.  xxxi.  9.  (3.)  The  destruction  of  evil  works  and 
evil  workers :  Matt.  xiii.  42. 

Garments  ;  (1.)  The  souls  of  men :  Eev.  iii.  4.  (2.)  Emblems 
of  purity :  Isa.  lii.  1 ;  Ixi.  10 ;  Rev.  iii.  4,  5 ;  xix.  8. 

Gate  ;  (1.)  Power  or  dominion :  Gen.  xxii.  17  ;  Matt.  xvi.  18. 
(2.)  The  border  of  the  grave:  Ps.  ix.  13;  Isa.  xxxviii.  10.  (3.) 
Security :  Ps.  cxlvi.  13.  (4.)  The  ordinances  of  divine  worship : 
Ps.  ix.  14.    (5.)  Eegeneration :  Matt.  vii.  13. 

Gog  and  Magog;  (1.)  The  great  Scythian  powers  of  former 
ages  :  Ezek.  xxxviii.  2.    (2.)  Infidel  nations  :  Rev.  xx.  8. 

Gold  ;  The  graces  of  the  Holy  Spirit :  Ps.  xlv.  13  ;  Rev.  iii.  18. 

Grapes;  The  fruits  of  true  religion;  also  hypocritical  pro- 
fessions :  Isa.  V.  2. 

Hail  ;  The  invasion  of  violent  enemies :  Isa.  xxviii.  2 ;  xxxii. 
19 ;  Rev.  viii.  7. 

Hand  ;  (1.)  Favor  and  protection :  Ps.  xviii.  35 ;  Ixxiii.  23. 
(2.)  Power,  strength :  Ps.  xvii.  7 ;  xx.  6 ;  xliv.  3 ;  Isa.  xlviii.  13  ; 
1.  2. 

Harvest  ;  (1.)  A  people  ripe  for  the  judgments  of  God :  Isa. 
xviii.  5 ;  Joel  iii.  13.    (2.)  The  end  of  the  world  :  Matt.  xiii.  39. 

Head  ;  (1.)  The  ruling  principle  in  man :  Isa.  i.  6.  (2.)  Chief 
of  a  people  :  Micah  iii.  1,  9,  11.  (3.)  The  metropolis  of  a  coun- 
try :  Isa.  vii.  8,  9. 

Heaven  —  heavens  ;  (1.)  God :  Dan.  iv.  26  ;  Luke  xv.  21. 
(2.)  Angels :  Job  xv.  15.  (3.)  The  church  militant :  Rev.  xii.  1, 
7-9.    (4.)  Governments  :  Isa.  xiii.  13 ;  Hag.  ii.  6,  21. 

Hell;  (1.)  The  grave:  Ps.  Iv.  15  ;  Jonah  ii.  2;  Hab.  ii.  5.  (2.) 
Receptacle  of  departed  spirits  :  Rev.  xx.  13,  14.  (3.)  Place  of 
torment :  Luke  xvi.  23. 

Horn  ;  (1^  Strength :  Rev.  v.  6.  (2.)  Divine  protection  :  Ps. 
xviii.  2;  Amos  iii.  14;  Luke  i.  69.  (3.)  Royal  power:  Ps.  xcii.- 
10;  Jer.  xlviii.  25;  Dan.  vii.  20,  24;  Zech.  i.  18. 

Horse,  white  —  of  victory  ;  red  —  of  bloody  war ;  black  —  of 
famine  and  disease;  pale — of  pestilence,  which  is  death  in  tri- 
umph :  Rev,  vi,  2-8 ;  Zech.  vi.  2,  3, 


SYMBOLICAL  LANGUAGE  OF  THE  BIBLE. 


377 


Horses;  Emblems  of  conquest:  Jer.  iv.  13;  Joel  ii.  4;  Hab. 
i.  8. 

House  ;  (1.)  Heaven  :  John  xiv.  2.    (2.)  The  church  of  God  : 

1  Pet.  ii.  5 ;  iv.  17 ;  Heb.  iii.  6.  (3.)  Persons  who  dwell  together  : 
Acts  X.  2  ;  xvi.  32,  34  ;  xviii.  8 ;  Heb.  xi.  7.  (4.)  The  substance 
and  support  of  a  family  :  Mark  xii.  40.    (5.)  The  human  body  : 

2  Cor.  V.  1. 

Hunger  ;  (1.)  An  ardent  desire  after  Christ  and  his  righteous- 
ness :  Matt.  V.  6 ;  Luke  i.  53.  (2.)  A  desire  for  the  happiness  of 
the  world  :  Prov.  xix.  15 ;  John  vi.  35. 

Idolatry  ;  (1.)  Covetousness  :  Eph.  v.  5 ;  Col.  iii.  5 ;  Phil.  iii. 
19.    (2.)  Loving  an  object  more  than  God:  1  John  v.  21. 

Image  of  gold,  silver,  brass,  and  iron.  The  Assyrian,  Persian, 
Macedonian,  and  Poman  monarchies  :  Dan.  ii.  31-45. 

Infirmities  ;  (1.)  Bodily  weaknesses  :  Matt.  viii.  17 ;  Isa.  liii. 
4;  1  Tim.  v.  23.  (2.)  Afflictions,  reproaches,  persecutions,  and 
buffetings  :  2  Cor.  xii.  10.  (3)  Spiritual  defects  :  Eom.  vi.  19 ; 
viii.  26. 

Jerusalem  ;  (1.)  The  church  of  God :  Ps.  cxxii.  6 ;  Isa.  Ixv. 
18 ;  Iii.  1 ;  Gal.  iv.  24-26.  (2.)  The  heavenly  state  :  Heb.  xii.  22; 
Eev.  iii.  12. 

Key;  (1.)  Power  and  authority  :  Isa.  xxii.  22;  Rev.  i.  18;  iii. 
7 ;  XX.  1.  (2.)  Commission  to  preach  the  gospel :  Matt.  xvi.  19. 
(3.)  Means  of  Scriptural  knowledge  :  Luke  xi.  52. 

Laborers  ;  (1.)  Ministers  of  the  Gospel :  Matt.  ix.  37,  38 ; 
1  Cor.  iii.  9.  (2.)  All  who  are  heartily  engaged  in  the  service  of 
Christ :  Matt.  xx.  1-16. 

Lamb  ;  (1.)  Jesus  Christ ;  who  was  typified  by  the  paschal- 
lamb  and  daily  sacrifice  :  Exod.  xii.  3 ;  xxix.  38-42 ;  John  i.  29 ; 
Rev.  xiii.  8.    (2.)  Every  true  follower  of  Jesus  :  John  xxi.  15. 

Lamp  ;  (1.)  A  successor  :  1  Kings  xv.  4 ;  Ps.  cxxxii.  17.  (2.) 
Profession  of  religion :  Matt.  xxv.  3,  4.  (3.)  Prosperity :  Prov. 
xiii.  9 ;  xx.  20.    (4.)  Divine  light :  2  Sam.  xxii.  29. 

Leaven;  (1.)  The  doctrines  of  Christ:  Matt.  xiii.  23.  (2.) 
Corrupt  doctrines  of  men :  Matt.  xvi.  6,  12.  (3.)  Scandalous 
practices :  1  Cor.  v.  6. 

Legs  ;  (1.)  Strength :  Ps.  cxlvii.  10 ;  Song  v.  15.  (2.)  Roman 
Empire  governed  by  two  Consuls ;  Dan.  ii.  33. 


3T8 


SYMBOLICAL  LANGlTAGE  OF  THE  BIBLE. 


Leopard  ;  (1.)  A  subtle,  violent  foe :  Dan.  vii.  G.  (2.)  Neb- 
uchadnezzar and  his  army  :  Jer.  v.  6 ;  Hab.  i.  8.  (3.)  Antichrist : 
Rev.  xiii.  2.    (4.)  Men  naturally  fierce  and  cruel :  Isa.  xi.  6. 

Life  ;  (1.)  Jesus  Christ,  the  source  of  natural,  spiritual,  and 
eternal  life  :  John  i.  4 ;  xi.  25 ;  xiv.  6 ;  Col.  iii.  4.  (2.)  Doctrines 
of  the  Gospel :  John  vi.  33,  63.  (3.)  The  state  of  believers  :  John 
iii.  36 ;  V.  24 ;  Col.  iii.  3.  (4.)  Eternal  blessedness  of  heaven  : 
Ps.  xvi.  11 ;  Rom.  v.  17.  (5.)  Spiritual  strength  derived  from 
Christ :  2  Cor.  iv.  10.  (6.)  The  resurrection  and  intercession  of 
Christ :  Rom.  v.  10. 

Light  ;  (1.)  A  son  or  successor :  1  Kin.  xi.  36 ;  2  Chron.  xxi. 
7.  (2.)  Peace  and  joy :  Esther  viii.  16  ;  Ps.  xcvii.  11.  (3.)  Spir- 
itual knowledge  and  true  holiness  :  Isa.  viii.  20 ;  Eph.  v.  8 ; 
1  John  i.  7.  (4.)  Prosperity  and  happiness :  Isa.  Iviii.  8.  (5.) 
Support  and  deliverance  :  Micah  vii.  8. 

Lion  ;  (1.)  Christ,  who  is  mighty  and  invincible :  Rev.  v.  6. 
(2.)  The  tribe  of  Judah  and  its  kings,  who  were  a  terror  to  their 
enemies  :  Gen.  xlix.  9.  (3.)  The  devil,  who  is  fierce,  and  cruel : 
1  Pet.  V.  8.  (4.)  Cruel  oppressors :  2  Tim.  iv.  17.  (5.)  Enemies 
and  evils  :  Ps.  xci.  13.   (6.)  Imaginary  difficulties  :  Prov.  xxii.  13. 

Locusts  ;  Authors  or  teachers  of  false  and  poisonous  doctrines : 
Rev.  ix.  3. 

Manna  ;  Comforts,  and  blessings  flowing  from  Jesus  Christ : 
Rev.  ii.  17. 

Moon;  (1.)  The  church  of  Christ,  who  derives  all  her  light 
from  Christ  the  Sun  of  righteousness  :  Song  vi.  10.  (2.)  The 
world  with  all  its  changing  scenes  :  Rev.  xii.  1.  (3.)  Outward 
prosperity :  Isa.  Ix.  20.  (4.)  Inferior  magistrates :  Ezek.  xxxii. 
7 ;  Matt.  xxiv.  29 ;  Rev.  vi.  12 ;  viii.  12. 

Mountain  ;  (1.)  The  church  of  God :  Isa.  ii.  2 ;  xi.  9 ;  Dan. 
ii.  35,  45.  (2.)  The  ordinances  of  Christ :  Joel  iii.  18 ;  Song  ii. 
8 ;  iv.  6.  (3.)  The  people  dwelling  in  a  mountainous  country : 
Ezek.  vi.  2,  3.  (4.)  High  places  whereon  idols  were  worshipped  ; 
Isa.  Ivii.  7 ;  Ezek.  xviii.  6,  11.  (5.)  Idols  worshipped  in  high 
places :  Jer.  iii.  23.  (6.)  Men  high  in  station,  as  magistrates  in 
the  state,  and  ministers  in  the  church :  Ps.  Ixxii.  3  ;  Isa.  xliv.  23 ; 
Iv.  12.    (7.)  Hindrances,  provocations,  and  enemies  of  the  gospel 


SYMBOLICAL  LANGUAGE  OF  THE  BIBLE.  879 

and  church :  Isa.  xl.  4 ;  xlix.  11 ;  xli.  15.  (8.)  The  heavens,, 
which  are  high:  Ps.  cxxi.  1.  (9.)  Samaria,  because  built  on  a 
hill :  Amos  iv.  1 ;  vi.  1. 

Mystery  ;  (1.)  The  calling  of  the  Gentiles,  which  was  long  a 
secret :  Eom.  xvi.  25 ;  Col.  i.  26,  27.  (2.)  The  union  between 
Christ  and  believers  :  Mark  iv.  11 ;  Eev.  i.  20. 

Naked  ;  (1.)  A  graceless  soul :  Eev.  iii.  17, 18.  (2.)  Destitute 
of  worldly  comforts :  Job  i.  21.  (3.)  Deprived  of  divine  favor 
and  protection :  Exod.  xxxii.  25 ;  2  Chron.  xxviii.  19.  (4.)  Dis- 
covered, known,  and  manifest :  Job  xxvi.  6 ;  Heb.  iv.  13. 

IS'iGHT ;  (1.)  A  time  of  ignorance  and  unbelief :  Eom.  xiii.  12. 
(2.)  Affliction  and  adversity :  Isa.  xxi.  12.  (3.)  Suddenly,  unex- 
pectedly :  Isa.  XV.  1 ;  Luke  xii.  20.    (4.)  Death  :  John  ix.  4. 

Oaks  ;  Governors,  and  men  of  valor :  Isa.  ii.  13 ;  Zech.  xi.  2. 

Olive,  wild — Gentiles:  Eom.  xi.  17.  Cultivated  olive:  Church 
of  Christ :  Eom.  xi.  24 ;  Jer.  xi.  16. 

Palm  ;  Symbol  of  joy  and  victory  :  Eev.  vii.  9. 

Paradise  ;  Future  state  of  happiness  of  believers :  Luke  xxiii. 
43 ;  2  Cor.  xii.  4 ;  Eev.  ii.  7. 

Passover  ;  Jesus  Christ,  who  was  typified  by  the  paschal- 
lamb  :  1  Cor.  V.  7 ;  Eom.  iii.  25. 

Physician  ;  (1.)  Jesus  Christ :  Matt.  ix.  12.  (2.)  Prophets 
and  spiritual  teachers  :  Jer.  viii.  22.  (3.)  An  embalmer  of  dead 
bodies  :  Gen.  1.  2.    (4.)  Comforters  :  Job  xiii.  4. 

Pillar  ;  (1.)  The  chief  support  of  a  family  or  state  :  Prov.  ix. 
1 ;  Jer.  i.  18 ;  Gal.  ii.  9.    (2.)  The  church :  1  Tim.  iii.  15. 

Poison  ;  Wickedness  in  doctrine,  language,  or  course  :  Deut. 
xxxii.  33  ;  Ps.  Iviii.  4 ;  cxl.  3 ;  Eom.  iii.  13 ;  James  iii.  8. 

Prison  ;  (1.)  A  low,  base  condition  :  Eccl.  iv.  14.  (2.)  Spirit- 
ual bondage  :  Isa.  xiii.  7.  (3.)  Powerful  restraint :  Eev.  xx.  7. 
(4.)  The  grave  :  Isa.  liii.  8.  (5.)  State  of  those  who  die  impeni- 
tent: 1  Peter  iii.  18-20 ;  iv.  6. 

Eain  ;  (1.)  Whatever  is  refreshing  and  tends  to  make  persons 
fruitful  in  good  works  :  Deut.  xxxii.  2 ;  Ps.  Ixviii.  9 ;  Isa.  v.  6 ; 
Ezek.  xxxiv.  26.    (2.)  Destructive  judgments :  Ezek.  xiii.  11. 

Eiver  ;  (1.)  Great  plenty  :  Job  xxix.  6 ;  Ps.  xxxvi.  8 ;  John 
vii.  38.    (2.)  The  ordinances  and  blessings  of  the  Gospp] :  Ps. 


380 


SYMBOLICAL  LANGUAGE  OF  THE  BIBLE. 


xlvi.  4 ;  Ezek.  xlvii,  5,  9  ;  J oel  iii.  18 ;  Eev.  xxii.  1.  (3.)  Great 
quantity  :  Job  xl.  23.    (4.)  Plentiful  showers  of  rain  :  Ps.  Ixv.  9. 

Eock;  (1.)  The  patriarch  of  a  nation:  Isa.  li.  1.  (2.)  God: 
Deut.  xxxii.  31 ;  Ps.  xviii.  2 ;  Isa.  xvii.  10.  (3.)  Jesus  Christ : 
Isa.  xxxii.  2 ;  Matt.  vii.  25 ;  xvi.  18.  (4.)  Stony-hearted  sinners  : 
Luke  viii.  6. 

EoD  ;  (1.)  God's  pastoral  care  of  his  church :  Ps.  xxiii.  4.  (2.) 
The  gospel  of  Christ :  Ps.  ex.  2.  (3.)  The  great  power  of  Christ : 
Ps.  ii.  9 ;  Eev.  ii.  27.  (4.)  Afflictions  :  2  Sam.  vii.  14 ;  Job  ix. 
34 ;  Micah  vi.  9.  (5.)  Church  censures :  Micah  vii.  14 ;  1  Cor. 
iv.  21.  (6.)  The  princes  of  Judah  :  Ezek.  xix.  14.  (7.)  Power 
and  authority  :  Ps.  cxxv.  3. 

Salt  ;  (1.)  Duration  to  all  futurity  :  Numb,  xviii.  19 ;  2  Chron. 
xiii.  6.  (2.)  Wisdom :  Col.  iv.  6.  (3.)  Christian  principles  and 
virtues  :  Matt.  v.  13. 

Sea  ;  (1.)  A  multitude  of  enemies :  Jer.  li.  42.  (2.)  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  islands  of  the  sea:  Isa.  Ix.  5.  (3.)  Pull  and  free 
pardon  of  sin  :  Micah  vii.  19. 

Seal  ;  sealed ;  (1.)  Security :  Song  iv.  12.  (2.)  Not  to  be 
understood :  Isa.  xxix.  11.  (3.)  Authorized,  or  commissioned : 
John  vi.  27.  (4.)  Marked  as  belonging  to  God :  Eph.  i.  13 ;  Eev. 
vii.  2-4. 

Seed;  (1.)  The  whole  posterity  of  Abraham :  Eom.  ix.  7.  (2.) 
All  the  faithful,  whether  J ews  or  Gentiles :  Eom.  iv.  16.  (3.) 
Jesus  Christ :  Gen.  xxii.  18 ;  Gal.  iii.  16.  (4.)  Sound  doctrine : 
Luke  viii.  6,  11 ;  1  Pet.  i.  23 ;  1  John  iii.  9. 

Serpent  ;  (1.)  Satan,  the  devil :  Gen.  iii.  1,  2,  4,  13,  14 ;  2 
Cor.  xi.  3 ;  Eev.  xii.  9. 

Sheep  ;  (1.)  The  followers  of  Christ :  Zech.  xiii.  7 ;  J ohn  x, 
1-16;  xxi.  16,  17;  1  Pet.  ii.  25.  (2.)  All  the  human  family:  Ps. 
c.  3  ;  Isa.  liii.  6 ;  J  ohn  x.  16. 

Shepherds  ;  Civil  and  political  rulers  :  Jer.  xxv.  34. 

Shield  ;  (1.)  Protection  and  defence :  Gen.  xv.  1 ;  Ps.  v.  12. 
(2.)  Princes  and  great  men :  Ps.  xlvii.  9. 

Sleep;  (1.)  Spiritual  stupidity,  and  unconcern:  Eph.  v.  14. 
(2.)  Carnal  security :  Eom.  xiii.  11.  (3.)  Death :  Dan.  xii.  2  j 
.  i  Thess.  iv.  13,  14. 


SYMBOLICAL  LANGUAGE  OF  THE  BIBLE. 


381 


Sober  ;  Humble,  thoughtful,  temperate,  and  grave :  Eom.  xii. 
3 ;  Titus  ii.  4,  12 ;  1  Pet.  v.  8. 

Sodom  ;  (1.)  Judah :  Isa.  i.  10 ;  Jer.  xxiii.  14.  (2.)  The  anti- 
christian  state :  Hev.  xi.  8. 

Sores  ;  (1.)  Spiritual  diseases :  Isa.  i.  6 ;  liii.  4,  5.  (2.)  Sins 
and  miseries :  2  Chron.  vi.  29.  (3.)  Heavy  affliction :  Job  v.  18. 
(4.)  Great  calamity :  Eev.  xvi.  2. 

Sower;  A  preacher  of  the  Gospel:  Matt.  xiii.  3,  37;  Mark 
iv.  3,  14 ;  Luke  viii.  5 ;  2  Cor.  ix.  10. 

Stars;  (1.)  Angels:  Job  xxxviii.  7.  (2.)  Princes — rulers: 
Numb.  xxiv.  17 ;  Dan.  viii.  10 ;  Eev.  xxii.  16 ;  (3.)  Faithful 
ministers  of  the  gospel :  Eev.  i.  20.  (4.)  The  apostles  in  their 
inspired  doctrines  :  Eev,  xii.  1. 

Stone  ;  (1.)  J esus  Christ :  Ps.  cxviii.  22 ;  Isa.  xxviii.  16  ;  viii. 
14 ;  1  Pet.  ii.  8  ;  Matt.  xxi.  42,  44.  (2.)  A  real  believer  in  Jesus  : 
1  Pet.  ii.  5.    (3.)  A  full  and  free  remission  of  all  sin  :  Eev.  ii.  17. 

Sun  ;  (1.)  J  esus  Christ,  the  quickener,  enlightener,  and  com- 
forter of  his  people  :  Mai.  iv.  2.  (2.)  The  righteousness  of  Christ: 
Eev.  xii.  1.  (3.)  Kings  and  chief  magistrates  :  Ezek.  xxxii.  7 ; 
Matt.  xxiv.  29 ;  Eev.  vi.  12 ;  viii.  12.  (4.)  States,  civil  and  eccle- 
siastical :  Joel  ii.  31 ;  Acts  ii.  20. 

Swine;  Unclean,  ignorant,  persecuting  unbelievers:  Matt.  vii.  6. 

Sword  ;  (1.)  The  judgments  of  God  :  Deut.  xxxii.  41,  42.  (2.) 
The  instruments  with  which  God  executes  his  judgments :  Ps. 
xvii.  13.    (3.)  Power  and  authority :  Eom.  xiii.  4. 

Tabernacle;  (1.)  The  human  nature  of  Christ,  typified  by 
the  Jewish  tabernacle :  Heb.  viii.  2  ;  ix.  11.  (2.)  Our  natural 
bodies:  2  Cor.  v.  1;  2  Pet.  i.  13.    (3.)  The  true  church:  Ps.  xv.  1. 

Talents  ;  The  gifts  of  God  bestowed  on  men  for  their  im- 
provement :  Matt.  XXV.  15. 

Tares  ;  The  works  of  the  devil :  Matt.  xiii.  25,  38,  39. 

Teeth  ;  (1.)  Cruelty,  slander,  and  calumny :  Ps.  Ivii.  4 ;  Iviii. 
6 ;  Prov.  xxx.  14.    (2.)  Power  to  do  mischief  :  Ps.  Iviii.  6. 

Thirst  ;  (1.)  An  eager  desire  after  happiness  :  Isa.  Iv.  1.  (2.) 
Vehement  desire  after  Christ :  Eev.  xxii.  17  ;  Matt.  v.  6. 

Thorns  ;  (1.)  Wicked  men,  who  are  barren  and  mischievous : 
Ezek.  xxviii.  24 ;  Matt.  vii.  16.    (2.)  Worldly  and  carnal  hearts  : 


382  SYMBOLICAL  LANGUAGE  OF  THE  BIBLE. 


Matt.  xiii.  7,  22 ;  Luke  viii.  14.  (3.)  Stubborn  unbelievers : 
Ezek.  ii.  6. 

Throne  ;  (1.)  Heaven,  where  God  manifests  his  glory :  Isa.  vi. 
2 ;  Ixvi.  1.  (2.)  An  order  of  holy  angels :  Col.  i.  16.  (3.)  Sov- 
ereign power  and  dignity :  Gen.  xli.  40 ;  2  Sam.  vii.  13,  16. 

Thunder  ;  (1.)  Destructive  calamities  :  Isa.  xxix.  6.  (2.)  The 
noise  of  an  army:  Job  xxxvii.  45.  (3.)  The  preaching  of  the 
gospel :  Mark  iii.  17 ;  Eev.  xiv.  2. 

Tower  ;  (1.)  God  in  Christ :  Ps.  Ixi.  3 ;  Prov.  xviii.  10.  (2.) 
Proud,  lofty  men :  Isa.  ii.  16 ;  xxx.  25. 

Travail  ;  (1.)  Sudden  and  painful  calamities  :  Jer.  iv.  31 ; 
xiii.  21 ;  xxx.  6,  7 ;  Hos.  xiii.  13 ;  1  Thess.  v.  3.  (2.)  Pains  and 
labor  to  commit  sin :  Ps.  vii.  14.  (3.)  The  prayers  and  pains  of 
the  church,  when  in  distress :  Micah  v.  3 ;  Gal.  iv.  19 ;  Eev. 
xii.  2. 

Tree-of-life  ;  Jesus  Christ,  with  all  the  pleasures  of  immor- 
tality :  Eev.  ii.  7 ;  xxii.  2. 

Trees  ;  (1.)  Godly  men :  Isa.  Ixi.  3.  (2.)  The  King  of  As- 
syria's army :  Isa.  x.  19.  (3.)  The  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem : 
Matt.  iii.  10 ;  vii.  19. 

Unicorns  ;  Powerful  and  wicked  men :  Isa.  xxxiv.  7 ;  Ps.  xxii. 
21.    It  denotes  uncommon  strength  :  Numb,  xxiii.  22. 

Vine  ;  (1.)  God's  ancient  Israel :  Ps.  Ixxx.  8 ;  Jer.  ii.  21 ; 
Ezek.  XV.  2 ;  Hos.  x.  1.    (2.)  Antichrist :  Eev.  xiv.  18,  19. 

Vineyard  ;  The  church :  Isa.  v.  1-7  ;  Matt.  xx.  1-16 ;  xxi.  28- 
45 ;  Luke  xiii.  6,  7. 

Virgin  ;  A  nation,  or  city ;  especially  if  never  subdued  by  an 
enemy :  2  Kin.  xix.  21 ;  Isa.  xxiii.  12 ;  xlvii.  1 ;  Jer.  xlvi.  11 ; 
Lam.  i.  15 ;  Amos  v.  2. 

Voice  ;  (1.)  Thunder :  Ps.  xxix.  3.  (2.)  Alarming  providences : 
Amos  i.  2 ;  Micah  vi.  9.  (3.)  God's  laws,  and  offers  of  grace : 
Exod.  XV.  26 ;  Heb.  iii.  7,  15 ;  Eev.  iii.  20. 

Walk  ;  (1.)  Conversation  or  manner  of  life :  Eom.  vi.  4 ;  Eph. 
iv.  1,  17.  (2.)  To  depend  upon,  please,  and  retain  an  abiding 
sense  of  the  favor  of  God:  Gen.  v.  24 ;  vi.  9;  xvii.  1.  (3.)  To 
be  governed  by  corrupt  fleshly  appetites  :  Eom.  viii.  1.  (4.)  To 
regulate  the  whole  life  by  the  word  and  Spirit  of  God :  Eom.  viii. 
1.    (5.)  To  take  God  at  his  wor  1 :  2  Cor.  v.  7  ;  Eph.  ii.  10. 


SYMBOLICAL  LANGUAGE  OF  THE  BIBLE. 


383 


Wash  ;  To  purify,  cleanse,  and  make  white.  (1.)  Katural ; 
Gen.  xviii.  4.  (2.)  Ceremonial :  Heb.  ix.  10.  (3.)  Moral :  Ps. 
xxvi.  6 ;  Ixxiii.  13.  (4.)  Spiritual :  Ps.  li.  2 ;  Ezek.  xvi.  9.  (5.) 
Sacramental :  Acts  xxii.  16.  (6.)  Superstitious :  Matt.  xv.  2. 
(7.)  Miraculous :  2  Kin.  v.  10.  It  denotes,  (1.)  Abundance :  Job 
xxix.  6.  (2.)  Reformation :  Isa.  i.  IG ;  Prov.  xxx.  12.  (3.)  Re- 
moval of  guilt :  1  Cor.  vi.  11 ;  Rev.  i.  5 ;  vii.  14.  (4.)  A  token 
of  innocency  :  Matt,  xxvii.  24. 

Water  ;  (1.)  Afflictions  and  trouble  :  Ps.  Ixix.  1,  2.  (2.)  A  . 
multitude  of  people  :  Isa.  viii.  7 ;  Rev.  xvii.  15.  (3.)  Children  or 
posterity  :  Numb.  xxiv.  7 ;  Prov.  v.  15,  16 ;  Isa.  xlviii.  1.  (4.) 
Evangelical  doctrines  :  1  Cor.  iii.  6.  (5.)  Ordinances  of  the  gos- 
pel :  Isa.  Iv.  1 ;  Rev.  xxii.  17.  (6.)  Refreshing  graces  of  the  Holy 
Spirit :  Isa.  xii.  3 ;  xxxv.  6,  7 ;  xliv.  3 ;  John  vii.  37,  38.  (7.) 
Forbidden  pleasures :  Prov.  ix.  17.  (8.)  The  blessed  gospel  going 
forth  from  Jerusalem:  Ezek.  xlvii.  1-11.  (9.)  Glory  and  joy  of 
heaven:  Rev.  xxii.  1. 

Week  ;  Seven  years.    See  Day. 

Wilderness  ;  (1)  The  Gentile  world,  previous  to  the  spread  of 
the  gospel :  Isa.  xxxv.  1,  6  ;  xli.  18,  19  ;  xliii.  19,  20.  (2.)  General 
desolation :  Isa.  xxvii.  10 ;  Jer.  xxii.  6.  (3.)  A  country  not  so 
thickly  peopled  as  others  near  it :  Matt.  iii.  1 ;  Joshua  xv.  61, 
62.    (4.)  The  present  world  of  trial :  1  Cor.  x.  5,  6. 

Wind  ;  (1.)  The  powerful  operations  of  the  Holy  Spirit :  John 
iii.  8;  Acts  ii.  2.  (2.)  The  judgments  of  God :  Isa.  xxvii.  8;  Jer. 
xviii.  19;  xxv.  32;  xxx.  23;  Hos.  iv.  19.  (3.)  Destruction  of 
inhabitants  :  Jer.  iv.  11,  12 ;  li.  1. 

Winds,  four  ;  General  destructions  :  Jer.  xlix.  36 ;  Dan.  vii.  2 ; 
Rev.  vii.  1. 

Wine  ;  (1.)  The  provisions  of  the  Gospel :  Isa.  xxv.  6 ;  Iv.  1. 
(2.)  Temporal  blessings :  Ps.  iv.  7 ;  Hos.  ii.  8.  (3.)  Comfort  and 
consolation:  Prov.  xxxi.  6.  (4.)  The  judgments  of  God:  Ps. 
Ixxv.  8 ;  Jer.  xxv.  15 ;  Rev.  xiv.  10 ;  xvi.  19. 

Wings  ;  (1.)  Protection  or  defence :  Exod.  xix.  4 ;  Ps.  xvii.  8 ; 
xxxvi.  7 ;  xci.  4.    (2.)  Healing  virtue  of  Christ :  Mai.  iv.  2. 

Witnesses  ;  (1.)  Plagues  and  judgments  :  Job  x.  17.  (2.)  Per- 
s:^cutod  churches  or  ministers :  Rev.  xi.  3. 


384 


SYMBOLICAL  LANGUAGE  OF  THE  BIBLE. 


Wolf,  wolves  ;  (1.)  Wicked,  fierce,  and  cruel  men,  transformed 
by  the  gospel  and  grace  of  Christ :  Isa.  xi.  6.  (2.)  Persecutors  : 
Matt.  X.  16;  Luke  x.  3.  (3.)  Avaricious  unconverted  ministers 
of  religion  :  Acts  xx.  29. 

Woman  ;  (1.)  The  true  church,  the  spouse  of  Christ :  Eev.  xii. 
1 ;  xxi.  9.    (2.)  The  antichristian  church  :  Eev.  xvii.  3. 

Women  ;  (1.)  Nations  or  cities :  Ezek.  xxiii.  2,  3,  44.  (2.) 
Weak,  effeminate  men :  Isa.  iii.  12 ;  xix.  16. 

Wonder;  (1.)  Presage  of  calamities:  Isa.  xx.  3.  (2.)  The 
saints,  who  are  wondered  at :  Ps.  Ixxi.  7 ;  Isa.  viii.  18. 

Word  ;  (1.)  The  whole  of  the  divinely  inspired  writings : 
Luke  xi.  28 ;  James  i.  22.  (2.)  The  divine  law  which  commands 
what  is  good,  and  prohibits  every  evil :  Ps.  cxix.  101.  (3.)  The 
promises  of  God :  Ps.  cxix.  25,  38,  49.  (4.)  Vision,  or  prophecy  : 
Isa.  ii.  1.  (5.)  God's  command:  Ps.  cxlvii.  18.  (6.)  Command 
of  Christ :  Luke  v.  5 ;  vii.  7.  (7.)  Whatever  God  in  his  provi- 
dence provides,  and  blesses  to  our  support :  Matt.  iv.  3,  4. 

Worm  ;  A  person,  weak,  mean,  and  despised :  Job  xxv.  6 ;  Ps. 
xxii.  6. 

Year  ;  (1.)  A  season  of  remarkable  calamities :  Jer.  xi.  23. 
(2.)  The  Gospel-period :  Isa.  Ixi.  2.  (3.)  Unbounded  duration : 
Ps.  cii.  27 ;  Heb.  i.  12.    See  Day. 

Yesterday  ;  (1.)  Any  time  lately  past :  Job  viii.  9.  (2.)  All 
time  past :  Heb.  xiii.  8. 

Yoke  ;  (1.)  Bondage  or  slavery  :  Levit.  xxvi.  13 ;  Deut.  xxviii. 
48  ;  Isa.  ix.  4 ;  x.  27.  (2.)  Afflictions  and  restraint :  Lam.  iii.  27. 
(3.)  Punishment  for  sin :  Lam.  i.  14.  (4.)  Painful  religious  rites  : 
Acts  XV.  10  ;  Gal.  v.  1.  (5.)  The  easy  commands  of  Christ :  Matt, 
xi.  29,  30. 

Zeal  ;  (1.)  God's  great  and  holy  regard  to  his  own  honor,  and 
his  people's  good  :  2  Kings  xix.  31 ;  Isa.  xxxvii.  32.  (2.)  An 
eagerness  to  have  God  honored,  and  true  holiness  promoted: 
Numb.  xxv.  13;  Ps.  Ixix.  9.  (3.)  An  imprudent  eagerness  for 
trifles,  rather  than  duties  —  and  to  promote  the  cause  of  self, 
rather  than  the  cause  of  God  :  Eom.  x.  2,  3 ;  Phil.  iii.  6 ;  2  Kings 
X.  16. 

ZiON ;  (1.)  The  church,  whether  Jewish  or  Christian :  Ps.  cii. 


THE  JEWISH  OFFERINGS. 


385 


13  ;  Isa.  ii.  3 ;  Heb.  xii.  22.  (2.)  Heaven  :  Isa.  li.  11 ;  Eev.  xiv.  1. 
(3.)  Mount  Hermon,  or  some  hills  that  were  near  it :  Ps.  cxxxiii. 
3.  (4.)  The  worshippers  at  the  temple,  or  inhabitants  of  Jerusa- 
lem ;  Ps.  xcvii.  8.  (5.)  The  temple  and  its  courts :  Ps.  Ixv.  1 ; 
Ixxxiv.  7. 

THE  JEWISH  OFFERINGS. 

The  Jewish  offerings  may  be  divided  into  two  general  parts : 
namely,  Gifts,  where  no  life  was  taken ;  and  Sacrifices,  in  which 
the  life  of  what  was  offered  was  taken  away  :  Heb.  v.  1.  The 
design  of  all  offerings  was,  either  to  make  an  atonement  for  sin, 
thank  God  for  favors  received,  or  procure  some  new  favor  at  his 
hand:  while  all  of  them  pointed  to  the  one  great  sacrifice  the 
Messiah  was  to  make  in  the  offering  up  of  himself :  See  Heb.  x. 
1 ;  Col.  ii.  17  ;  and  Eom.  xii.  1. 

There  were  but  five  sorts  of  animals  allowed  to  be  offered  up 
as  sacrifices ;  namely,  bullocks,  sheep,  goats,  pigeoxs,  and 
TURTLE-DOVES.  All  of  tlicsc  auimals  were  required  to  be  perfect 
in  every  part,  without  so  much  as  spot  or  blemish ;  and  were  all 
to  be  offered  in  the  day-time.  After  the  Tabernacle  was  erected, 
it  was  unlawful  to  sacrifice  in  any  other  place ;  and  afterwards  in 
the  Temple.  All  the  sacrifices  were  salted;  and  the  public  ones 
were  the  holiest :  Levit.  ii.  13. 

A  BURNT-OFFERING  cousistcd  of  a  bullock,  a  male  lamb  or  kid ; 
unless  the  offerer  was  poor,  when  a  dove,  or  pigeon  was  offered  : 
Levit.  chap.  i.  The  burnt-offering  was  the  chief  of  all  the  obla- 
tions ;  and  the  law  required  one  to  be  offered  at  all  the  daily, 
weekly,  monthly,  or  yearly  feasts :  besides  these  nine  stated 
occasions  on  which  the  law  required  burnt-offerings,  many  occa- 
sional ones  were  offered  :  Read  also  Levit.  vi.  8-13  ;  vii.  8 ;  xxii, 
19-25 ;  Exod.  xxviii.,  xxix. ;  Numb.  xv.  1-16 ;  and  xxviii.,  xxix.  ; 
Levit.  xii.  and  xiv.  15. 

The  peace-offering  Avas  expressive  of  the  offerer's  thankful- 
ness to  God  for  past  favors,  or  some  future  ones  sought,  or  vows 
paid:  Eead  attentively  the  following  passages  :  Lev.  iii. ;  vii.  11- 
34 ;  xix.  5-8 ;  xxiii.  19,  20 ;  and  Deut.  xviii.  3. 

The  siN-0Fr5:t?,i]srG  d,iffei:ed  iii  its  matter  according  to  ^he  crinxe 


386 


THE  JEWISH  OFFERINGS. 


for  which  it  was  offered,  or  to  answer  the  ability  of  the  offerer. 
For  the  sin  of  a  priest,  or  for  the  Levites  at  their  consecration, 
or  an  occasional  sin  of  the  whole  congregation,  it  was  a  bullock : 
See  Exod.  xxix.  10-14 ;  Lev.  iv.  3-21 ;  xvi.  6 ;  Niimb.  viii.  12 ; 
XV.  24 ;  xxviii.  ;  Kead  also  Numb.  v.  and  vi.,  and  Lev.  xii.,  xiv. 
22 ;  and  xv.  14,  15,  29,  30.  For  the  occasional  sin  of  a  private 
person  it  was  a  female  kid,  or  lamb ;  or  if  poor,  two  turtle-doves, 
or  two  young  pigeons  ;  and  if  too  poor  to  give  those,  a  little  flour 
was  accepted.  Thus  we  see,  in  every  age,  God  has  ever  been 
mindful  of  the  poor ;  and  requires  no  more  from  his  creatures 
than  they  are  well  able  to  perform. 

The  trespass-offering  was  different  from  the  sin-offering ; 
but  in  what  that  difference  consisted  it  is  not  easy  to  determine  ; 
but  that  there  was  a  difference  is  plain,  in  the  case  of  the  leper : 
See  Lev.  xiv.  10-20.  The  leper's  trespass-offering  was  a  he4amb. 
The  trespass-offering  was  ordered  in  the  very  same  manner  of  the 
sin-offering,  except  in  the  leper's  case :  See  Lev.  chap.  v. 

Meat-offerings  were  not  sacrifices,  but  gifts.  With  all  burnt- 
offerings,  and  peace-offerings,  and  the  sin-offering,  and  trespass- 
offering  of  the  leper,  meat-offerings  always  attended  ;  but  whether 
they  accompanied  all  other  sin-offerings  and  trespass-offerings  is 
not  certain.  When  meat-offerings  were  not  voluntary,  the  quan- 
tity was  stated ;  it  consisted  of  three  omers,  or  tenth-deals  of  fine 
flour  to  a  bullock ;  two  to  a  ram,  and  one  to  a  lamb,  or  kid.  Half 
a  hin  of  oil  attended  the  three  omers,  one-third  the  two  omers, 
and  one-fourth  part  the  one  omer,  to  fry  it  with.  Frankincense 
was  also  used,  and  salt  added  to  it.  Carefully  read  the  following 
passages  :  Lev.  ii. ;  vi.  15-23;  vii.  9,  10,  13,  14;  Numb.  xv.  1-16; 
and  xviii.  9,  10. 

The  drink-offerings  were  never  offered  alone,  but  with  the 
meat-offerings  ;  and  the  wine  was  the  same  in  proportion  to  that 
of  the  oil.  One  part  of  the  wine  was  poured  on  that  part  of  the 
meat-offering  which  was  burnt,  and  the  other  part  belonged  to 
the  priest :  but  when  the  whole  of  the  meat-offering  was  burnt, 
there  is  no  doubt  but  the  whole  of  the  wine  was  also  burnt :  See 
Numb.  XV.  1-16. 

A  HAiiF-snEK^^ii  of  money  was  given,  it  appears,  yearly  by  every 


THE  SECTS  MENTIONED  IN  SCRIPTURE. 


387 


adult  Jew,  for  the  ransom  of  liis  soul,  to  the  service  of  the  taber- 
nacle or  temple.  No  man,  however  poor,  was  to  give  less;  or, 
however  rich,  to  give  more.  Read  Exodus  xxx.  12-16;  and 
xxxviii.  25-28. 

THE  SECTS   MENTIONED  IN  SCRIPTURE. 

The  Samaritans  were  the  descendants  of  those  idolatrous 
nations,  whom  the  king  of  Assyria  sent  to  unite  with  the  scat 
tered  few,  in  peopling  Samaria  and  the  land  of  Israel.  They 
established  a  system  of  religion  compounded  of  Judaism  and 
heathenism :  and  the  Jews  hated  them  with  a  perfect  hatred, 
looking  upon  them  as  the  worst  of  all  human  beings :  John  viii. 
48.  At  present  the  Samaritans,  though  few  in  number,  pretend 
strictly  to  observe  the  law  of  Moses ;  and  find  great  fault  with 
the  Jews  for  their  negligence.  They  circumcise  their  chilclren 
on  the  eighth  day  after  their  birth ;  and  do  not  allow  a  plurality 
of  wives  ;  nor  marry  their  nieces.  They  observe  the  Sabbath  so 
strictly,  that  they  will  scarcely  move,  except  to  their  synagogues. 

The  Sadducees,  who  derived  their  name  from  Sadoc,  their 
founder,  were  a  sort  of  Deists.  They  believed  that  God  was  the 
only  immaterial  being ;  that  there  was  neither  angel  nor  spirit ; 
that  there  was  no  resurrection  of  the  dead,  nor  any  future  state ; 
and  that  men  were  absolute  masters  of  themselves,  and  needed 
no  assistance  to  enable  them  to  do  either  good  or  bad.  They 
rejected  all  traditions,  and  adhered  to  the  texts  of  the  sacred 
books ;  though  it  is  very  evident  they  did  not  understand  them. 
They  were,  in  general,  men  of  wealth ;  and,  without  any  restraint 
upon  their  corrupt  passions  and  appetites,  lived  at  their  pleasure. 
They  were  zealous  opposers  of  Jesus  Christ  and  his  apostles; 
and  we  never  read  of  the  conversion  of  one  of  them :  Matt.  xxii. 
23-34 ;  Acts  v.  17. 

The  Pharisees,  or  Separatists,  were  so  called  because  they 
distinguished  themselves  from  others  by  a  strict  manner  of  life, 
of  which  they  made  profession.  They  were  haughty  despisers 
of  the  common  people  ;  and  the  greater  part  of  the  doctors  of  the 
law  or  scribes  were  of  this  sect.  They  substituted  human  tradi- 
tions in  the  room  of  Grod's  word,  and  were  intolerably  proud  ol 


388  THE  SECTS  MENTIONED  IN  SCKIPTURE. 


their  religious  attainments  ;  supposing  they  merited  the  favor  of 
God  by  their  outward  observances.  They  fasted  often,  made  long 
prayers,  gave  much  alms,  and  in  all  things  made  a  great  outward 
show  of  religion;  but  were  covetous,  2)rou(l,  unjust,  superstitious, 
and  hypocritical :  See  Luke  xviii.  9-14.  They  were  very  particu- 
lar in  wearing  broad  phylacteries  or  frontlets,  which  were  scrolls 
of  parchment,  four  in  number,  and  on  Avhich  they  wrote  certain 
words  of  the  law.  On  the  first  piece,  they  wrote  Exod.  xiii.  from 
verse  2-10;  and  on  the  second,  from  verse  11-21;  on  the  third, 
Dent.  vi.  from  verse  4-9 ;  and  on  the  fourth,  Deut.  xi.  from  verse 
13-21.  These  they  put  together,  covered  them  with  a  piece  of 
hard  calf-skin,  and  bound  them  upon  their  foreheads,  upon  their 
wrists,  and  upon  the  hem  of  their  garments,  where  they  wore 
them  during  the  morning  and  evening  prayers :  Matt,  xxiii.  5. 
These  customs  they  founded  on  what  you  read  in  Exod.  xiii.  9-16, 
and  Numb.  xv.  38,  39.  And  as  the  prophets  never  spoke  against 
the  omission  of  this  practice,  it  seems  evident,  they  understood 
literally  what  was  figuratively  spoken  :  Eead  Matt,  xxiii. 

The  Herodians  shaped  their  religion  to  suit  the  times ;  and 
though  it  is  not  certain  what  were  their  particular  tenets,  it  is 
plain  they  had  a  leaven  of  their  own,  and  that  they  sought  to 
please  men  more  than  God ;  and  more  especially  Herod :  See 
Mark  viii.  15,  and  xii.  13.  But  we  may  consider  them  rather  a 
political  party,  than  a  religious  sect. 

The  Stoics  were  a  sect  of  heathen  philosophers,  who  prided 
themselves  in  an  affected  indifference  to  pleasure  or  pain,  as 
though  either  were  only  imaginary ;  and  maintained  that  all 
things  were  determined  by  fate.  They  held  that  a  wise  man 
ought  never  to  be  moved  by  joy  or  grief.  This  sect  appears  to 
have  been  numerous  at  Athens  when  the  apostle  Paul  was  there : 
Acts  xvii.  18. 

The  Libertines  were  free  citizens  of  Kome ;  and  who,  being 
Jews  or  proselytes,  had  a  synagogue  at  Jerusalem  peculiar  to 
themselves  :  Acts  vi.  9. 

The  Epicureans  were  a  sect  of  heathen  philosophers,  who 
followed  the  doctrines  of  Epicurus,  the  Athenian.  They  denied 
that  God  either  made  or  governs  the  world,  or  in  any  way  what- 


THE  SECTS  MENTIONED  IN  SCRIPTURE.  389 

ever  interferes  with  his  creatures  on  earth.  They  denied  the 
existence  of  angels  and  the  immortality  of  the  soul.  They  main- 
tained that  happiness  consisted  in  pleasure  ;  but  Epicurus  allowed 
there  was  no  pleasure  but  in  virtue ;  and  some  of  his  followers 
held  to  the  same.  Their  principles  were  the  very  opposite  of  the 
Stoics;  and  they  flourished  about  300  years  before  the  Christian 
era :  Acts  xvii.  18. 

The  Galileans  appear  to  have  been  a  very  turbulent,  political 
party  formed  into  a  sect  among  the  Jews ;  who  refused  to  be  in 
subjection  to  any  other  nation ;  and  who,  by  degrees,  swallowed 
up  most  of  the  other  sects.  They  held  much  the  same  sentiments 
as  the  Pharisees ;  and  in  general,  they  bore  no  good  character  for 
religion:  John  vii.  52.  They  considered  it  beneath  the  dignity 
of  a  Hebrew  to  pay  a  tax  to  heathens.  Their  first  leader  was 
Judas,  the  Galilean  :  Acts  v.  37.  This  sect  began  the  war  with 
the  Romans  which  was  never  extinguished  till  the  Jewish  nation 
was  completely  ruined. 

The  IS'icoLAiTANS  are  expressly  named  in  the  ISTew  Testament  : 
Eev.  ii.  6,  15;  but  who  or  what  they  are  is  not  certain.  It  is 
said,  they  reckoned  adultery  and  the  use  of  meats  offered  to  idols 
indifferent  things ;  and  imputed  all  their  wickedness  to  God  as 
the  cause.  Nicholas,  one  of  the  first  seven  deacons,  was  a  man 
distinguished  for  holiness  and  zeal :  Acts  vi.  5-7.  And  as  noth- 
ing is  said  about  his  disgracing  his  profession  as  a  Christian,  we 
cannot  think,  with  some,  that  he  was  the  founder  of  this  sect. 
It  is  not  unlikely  but  they  were  the  very  same  with,  or,  at  least 
a  part  of  the  Gnostics. 

Nazarenes.  Christ's  dwelling  at  Nazareth  gave  rise  to  his 
being  called  a  Nazarene:  Matt.  ii.  23.  To  be  called  a  Nazarene, 
was  to  be  called  a  worthless,  despicable  man,  from  whom  no 
good  was  to  be  expected  :  John  i.  46.  This  name  was  put  upon 
Christ  by  way  of  reproach  and  contempt ;  they  called  his  follow- 
ers Nazarenes,  and  this  stuck  to  them  all  as  a  nick-name :  Acts 
xxiv.  5.  No  name  of  reproach  for  religion's  sake  should  seem 
hard  to  us  ;  but  we  should  rather  rejoice  that  we  are  counted 
worthy  to  suffer  for  Christy  who  was  called  a  i^az^irem. 


390 


OK  SCRIPTURAL  DIFFICULTIES. 


There  is  no  point  of  importance  in  which  the  sixty-six  books 
of  the  Bible  do  not  perfectly  agree.  The  few  trifling  differences 
which  have  been  brought  forward,  are  easily  and  satisfactorily 
accounted  for,  if  we  but  consider,  when  different  writers  mention 
the  same  facts,  each  one  relates  the  circumstances  as  he  was 
acquainted  with  them. 

Printing  is  only  a  modern  invention,  and  been  practised  but 
about  400  years  ;  and  before  that  time  books  could  be  multiplied 
in  no  other  way  than  by  writing.  Both  the  Hebrews  and  the 
Greeks  often  expressed  their  numbers  by  letters ;  and  some  of 
them  being  very  much  alike,  a  hasty  copyist  might  easily  have 
mistook  the  one  for  the  other ;  yet  not  one  doctrine  or  duty  is 
rendered  obscure  on  account  of  these  differences.  Some  there 
are  Avho  neglect  to  search  the  Scriptures ;  and  assign  as  a  reason 
for  their  so  doing,  that  they  find  therein  so  many  things  they  do 
not  understand;  and  consequently,  cannot  believe  them.  How 
absurdly  do  such  individuals  act,  who  stumble  over  the  difficulties 
they  meet  with  in  the  Bible,  whilst  they  pass  unnoticed  those 
plainly  revealed  truths,  which,  if  attended  to,  would  make  them 
wise  unto  salvation !  We  meet  with  many  things  in  our  daily 
life  which  we  cannot  understand:  and  yet  no  one  doubts  them. 
Whence  comes  pain  ?  Why  are  plagues,  famines,  and  pestilences, 
p.ent  to  ravage  the  surface  of  the  earth,  and  sweep  away  the 
thousands  of  its  inhabitants  ?  We  believe  the  grass  grows,  and 
that  the  sun  shines,  though  we  cannot  understand  how  the  one 
springs  up,  or  the  other  performs  its  course.  If,  then,  we  believe 
so  many  natural  things  we  cannot  account  for,  why  should  we 
disbelieve  spiritual  things,  merely  because  we  are  unable  to  ac- 
count for  them?  Is  it  anything  wonderful  that  a  finite  worm 
cannot  comprehend  the  wisdom,  goodness,  and  glory  of  an  in- 
finite God  ?  Would  it  not  rather  be  more  wonderful  if  he 
could  ? 

The  Bible  was  never  designed  to  clear  up  every  difficulty. 
The  glimmering  lamp  of  nature  will  never  give  sufficient  light  to 
enable  us  to  see  why  the  ungodly  should  prosper,  and  the  godly 
be  plagued  and  chastened  continually ;  but  the  light  of  grace 
solves  the  difficulty,  by  showing  us  a  state  of  future  retribution : 
Ps,  Ixxiii.  12-19^  Luke  xxiii.  43  j  Phil.  i.  21,  28. 


ON  SCRIPTURAL  DIFFICULTIES. 


391 


You  would  do  well  to  bear  in  mind  that^  though  many  passages 
may  appear  difficult  to  you,  they  are  not  at  all  difficult  to  those 
who  are  better  ac({uainted  with  their  Bibles,  their  own  hearts,  the 
world,  and  what  were  the  particular  customs  of  the  Eastern  coun- 
tries at  the  time  the  events  recorded  took  place.  Thus,  when 
Christ  say:,  Neither  do  men  put  new  wine  into  old  bottles," 
we  cannot  understand  him  till  we  are  informed  the  bottles  were 
not  made  of  glass,  as  ours  are  ;  but  were  a  kind  of  leathern-bags 
made  of  skins,  strongly  stitched  or  pitched  together ;  and  which 
of  course,  as  they  became  old  and  dry,  would  be  unfit  to  hold  new 
ivine,  which  would  ferment  and  burst  them ;  and  the  longer  they 
were  used  the  worse  they  would  get.  See  Gen.  xxi.  14 ;  Josh.  ix. 
4-13 ;  Ps.  cxix.  83 ;  Jer.  xiii.  12.  God  tries  our  hearts,  and  takes 
care  to  give  sufficient  light  to  guide  the  meek  on  their  way,  and 
leave  the  ungodly  Avithout  an  excuse. 

The  chief  reason  why  so  many  difficulties  are  found  in  the 
WORD  OF  God,  is,  because  the  reader's  heart  is  not  right  with 
God.  For  how  can  earthly-minded  men  enter  into  the  meaning 
of  heavenly  truths  ?  1  Cor.  ii.  14,  15«  The  most  obscure  pas- 
sages that  we  meet  with,  ought,  at  least,  to  teach  us  humility. 
Those  who  have  joined  some  particular  party,  and  taken  their 
sentiments  from  them,  instead  of  the  Bible,  will  always  meet  with 
difficulties  in  selecting  particular  passages  to  support  their  own 
opinions.  But  if  all  such  would  only  be  willing  to  relinquish 
tJieii'  sentiments,  and  come  to  the  Bible  with  a  humble  determina- 
tion to  be  guided  by  it,  the  difficulties  met  with  would  be  rery 
few  and  unimportant.  Those  who  meditate  most  upon  what  they 
read,  compare  Scripture  with  Scripture,  and  pray  for  Divine 
instruction,  Avill  encounter  the  least  difficulties  ;  and  will  find  at 
every  step  their  path  becoine  brighter  and  brighter,  even  unto  the 
perfect  day.  Eead  for  yourself,  and  apply  what  you  read;  and 
never  turn  from  a  passage  too  hastily  because  it  is  difficult ;  for 
if  you  are  not  above  being  taught,  God  will  not  be  above  teaching 
you :  Ps.  XXV.  9 }  James  i.  5. 


392    SUPPOSED  FATE  OF  THE  EVANGELISTS  AND  APOSTLES. 

Saint  Matthew,  the  Apostle  and  Evangelist,  was  martyred  in 
a  city  in  Ethiopia. 

St.  Mark,  the  Evangelist,  was  dragged  through  the  streets  of 
Alexandria,  in  Egypt,  till  he  expired. 

St.  Luke,  the  Ev^angelist,  was  hanged  on  a  tree  till  he  was 
dead,  in  Greece. 

St.  John,  the  Apostle  and  Evangelist,  after  having  been  put  in 
a  caldron  of  boiling  oil,  at  Eome,  and  receiving  no  hurt,  died  a 
natural  death  at  Ephesus,  in  Asia. 

St.  Petek  was  crucified  at  Rome;  and,  according  to  his  own 
request,  with  his  head  downwards  ;  thinking  himself  unworthy  to 
die  in  the  posture  his  Lord  had  done. 

St.  James  the  Great,  was  beheaded  at  Jerusalem. 

St.  James  the  Less,  was  thrown  from  a  pinnacle  of  the  tem- 
ple, and  beaten  to  death  with  clubs. 

St.  Philip  was  hanged  against  a  pillar  at  Hierapolis,  a  city  in 
Phrygia,  till  he  expired. 

St.  Bartholomew  was  flayed  alive. 

St.  Andrew  was  bound  to  a  cross,  and  preached  to  the  people 
till  he  expired. 

St.  Thomas  was  pierced  through  the  body  with  a  lance,  at 
Coromandel,  in  "ihe  East-Indies. 

St.  Jude  was  shot  to  death  with  arrows. 

St.  Simon  the  Zealot,  was  crucified  in  Persia. 

St.  Matthias  was  first  stoned,  and  afterwards  beheaded. 

St.  Barnabas  was  stoned  to  death,  by  tiie  Jews,  at  Salami So 

St.  Paul,  the  great  teacher  of  the  Gentiles,  was  beheaded  at 
Eome,  by  the  tyrant  Kero. 

Such  was  the  fate  of  the  first  Preachers  of  the  Gospel  of  Peace, 
according  to  the  best  accounts  we  have  of  their  end.  And,  truly, 
they  were  sent  forth  as  "  sheep  among  wolves : Matt.  x.  16. 
Nor  is  the  world  any  more  friendly  to  the  true  disciples  of  Christ 
in  our  day,  than  it  was  in  theirs :  2  Tim.  iii.  12.  Let  us,  then, 
take  our  Lord's  advice,  love  all  men,  and  fear  none :  Luke  xii.  4,  5. 

Sin  is  a  greater  evil  than  death;  therefore^  dare  to  dM,  rather 
than  sin. 


HEBKEW  OFFICES. 


893 


The  Jewish  government  has  been  very  fitly  called  a  Theoc- 
racy ;  that  is,  a  government  immediately  superintended  by  God 
himself.  Hence,  when  they  desired  a  king,  it  was  considered  as 
rejecting  the  government  of  God.  See  1  Sam.  viii.  7 ;  Hos.  xiii. 
10,  11. 

The  Patriarchs  were  the  principal  fathers  of  mankind,  who 
lived  in  the  early  ages  of  the  world,  who  became  famous  on  ac- 
count of  their  long  lives  and  descendants.  See  Gen.  chap.  v. 
The  name.  Patriarchy  signifies  head  of  a  family  :  Acts  ii.  29 ;  vii. 
8,  9 ;  Heb.  vii.  4. 

The  Prophets  were  eminent  persons  raised  up  and  inspired 
by  God  among  the  Hebrews,  to  be  the  extraordinary  ministers  of 
his  dispensations  :  2  Pet.  i.  21.  They  continued  in  succession  for 
more  than  a  thousand  years,  reckoning  from  Moses  to  Malachi. 
God's  most  usual  way  of  making  known  his  will  to  the  prophets, 
was  by  inspiration  :  and  which  consisted  in  illuminating  and  dic- 
tating to  the  mind  that  which  he  intended  they  should  proclaim. 
He  appeared  to  Moses  and  to  Job  in  a  cloud  :  Numb.  xi.  25  ;  Job 
xxxviii.  1.  He  spake  to  Moses  in  the  burning  bush,  and  upon 
mount  Sinai :  Exod.  iii.  He  spoke  to  Samuel  in  the  night :  1 
Sam.  iii.  4.  He  made  known  his  will  to  Peter  in  a  vision  :  Acts 
X.  11,  12. 

The  Priests  were  those  persons  set  apart  to  offer  sacrifices  to 
God,  and  to  intercede  with  him  for  the  people. 

The  High-Priest  was  the  first  character  in  the  Jewish  govern- 
ment, and  the  medium  of  communication  with  God.  He  was 
consecrated  to  his  office  in  the  most  solemn  manner ;  and  had 
two  kinds  of  garments  ;  one  of  which  he  wore  on  ordinary  occa- 
sions, and  the  other  only  once  a  year,  when  he  went  into  the 
most  holy  place  alone.  Exod.  xxviii.  and  Lev.  xvi. ;  Heb.  iv.  6. 
The  priesthood  was  confined  to  the  family  of  Aaron  :  and  the 
first-born  of  the  oldest  branch  of  it  was  high-priest,  if  his  body 
was  found  entirely  free  from  blemish.  Read  Exod.  xxviii.  and 
xxix;  Lev.  xvi.  and  Heb.  iii.;  v.;  vii.;  viii.;  ix.  and  x.  chapters. 

The  Priests,  who  were  also  of  the  famil}^  of  Aaron,  were  the  or- 
dinary ministers  of  religion.  It  was  their  duty  to  offer  the  daily, 
and  other  sacrifices,  under  the  direction  of  the  high-priest,  &c. 


394 


HEBREW  OFFICES. 


The  Levites,  who  were  the  descendants  of  Levi,  but  not  of  the 
family  of  Aaron,  were  a  lower  order  of  persons,  inferior  in  olRce 
to  the  priests.  They  applied  themselves  to  the  study  of  the  law, 
and  were  dispersed  through  the  country  as  the  ordinary  teachers, 
magistrates,  and  judges  of  the  people.  They  had  no  sacred  ap- 
parel ;  but  though  the  tribe  of  Levi  were  but  about  the  fortieth 
part  of  the  people,  forty-eight  cities,  with  their  suburbs,  were  as- 
signed them  for  their  dwelling ;  and  about  one  fifth  part  of  the 
Hebrew  income.  Read  the  following  chapters  :  Exodus  vi. ;  xxxii. 
15-28 ;  Numb.  iii. ;  iv. ;  viii. ;  x. ;  and  xviii.  They  had  much 
more  allotted  them  than  what  they  received ;  for  when  religion 
languished  they  were  poorly  paid.    See  Josh.  xxi.  and  Neh.  xiii. 

The  Nethinims  were  servants  who  had  been  given  up  to  the 
service  of  the  tabernacle  and  temple  :  and  were  employed  in 
doing  the  more  laborious  duties  of  hewing  wood  and  drawing 
water.  They  were  those  Canaanites  who  by  their  craft  had  their 
lives  spared.    See  Josh.  ix.  and  Ezra  viii.  20. 

ISTazarites  were  persons  devoted  to  the  peculiar  service  of  God 
for  a  week,  a  month,  a  year,  or  for  life.  Some  of  them  devoted 
themselves  by  a  vow  to  abstain  from  all  intoxicating  drinks  ;  — 
let  their  hair  grow  without  cutting  or  shaving;  —  not  to  enter 
any  house  that  was  polluted  by  having  a  corpse  in  it ;  nor  to  be 
present  at  any  funeral.  Eead  Numb.  vi.  1-21 ;  Acts  xviii.  18 ; 
xxi.  23-26.  It  was  extremely  wicked  to  offer  them  strong  drink 
during  their  vow  :  Amos  ii.  11,  12.  Some  were  expressly  claimed 
by  God :  as  Samson  and  John  the  Baptist.  Judges  xvi.  17 ; 
Luke  i.  15.    Nazarite  signifies  sanctified,  or  consecrated. 

Scribes  and  Doctors  of  the  laiv,  in  Scripture  language,  mean 
bhe  same  thing  :  and  no  mention  is  made  of  them  till  J udges  v. 
14.  They  were  employed  to  be  the  judges,  interpreters,  and 
preachers  of  the  law  to  the  people  ;  but  the  latter  office  they  had 
no  divine  right  unto.  They  were  mostly  of  the  tribe  of  Levi.  See 
1  Chron.  xxiii.  34 ;  xxiv.  6 ;  and  2  Chron.  xxxiv.  13. 

The  Publicans,  though  generally  Jews,  were  particularly  odi- 
ous to  their  brethren :  and  may  be  considered  rather  as  Eoman, 
than  Hebrew  officers  ;  seeing  they  were  employed  as  tax-gatheier.s 
under  the  Romans. 


AN  INDEX 
OF  THE  PROPER  NAMES  IN  THE 

OLD   AND   NEW  TESTAMENTS: 

TOGETHER  WITH  THE  ENGLISH  ACCENTUATION  AND  PRONUNCIATION  OP 
EACH  WORD. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 

1.  Throughout  the  following  index,  the  Accentual  Mark  (')  is  intended  to 
ghow,  that  the  syllable  to  which  it  is  affixed  is  that  on  which  an  emphasis  is 
to  be  laid. 

2.  The  small  letters  are  designed  to  express  the  proper  sound,  or  Pronun- 
ciation of  those  Names  to  which  they  are  attached. 

3.  The  letter  ^,  wherever  it  is  retained,  must  have  its  hard  Bound,  as  it  '  a? 
in  the  word  good ;  its  soft  sound,  such  as  it  has  in  George,  being  always 
pressed  by  the  letter  y  being  put  in  the  place  of  it. 

4.  Whenever  the  letters  ch  occur  in  the  Pronunciations,  they  are  to  ha  r  e 
their  sojl  sound,  as  in  the  word  child;  their  hard  sound,  as  m  chord,  being 
shown  by  the  use  of  k  in  their  stead. 

5.  When  a  syllable  is  terminated  by  a  vowel,  if  the  accent  be  on  the  sylla- 
ble, the  vowel  must  have  a  long  sound.  And  when  a  consonant  terminates  a 
syllable,  whether  the  accent  be  on  the  syllable  or  not,  the  vowel  immediately 
preceding  the  final  consonant  must  in  general  have  a  short  sound. 

6.  Wherever  the  letter  i  is  a  syllable  of  itself,  and  terminates  a  word,  it 
must  always  have  its  long  sound,  as  in  rnijie,  and  when  the  letters  ai  make  but 
one  syllable,  they  must  be  sounded  like  ay  in  the  word  dat/, 

I  have  been  governed  by  the  most  eminent  Prosodians,  in  the  following 
table ;  and  hope  my  young  reader,  by  attending  to  the  hints  given,  will  be 
enabled  to  ascertain  the  most  approved  Pronunciation,  and  correct  Accentua- 
tion, of  any  name  therein  contained. 


AAR 


396 


ALE 


Aaron,  ar'ron. 
Aaronites,  ar'ron-ites. 
Abaddon,  a-badMon. 
Abagtha,  ab-ag'tlia. 
Abana,  ab'a-nah. 
Abarim,  ab'a-rim. 
Abda,  ab'da. 
Abdi,  abMy. 
Abdiel,  ab'de-el. 
Abdon,  ab'don. 
Abed-nego,  a-bed'ne-go. 
Abel,  ay'bel. 
Abel-Betii-Maachah, 

ay'bel-beth-ma'a-kah. 
Abel-Maim,  ay'bel-may'- 

im. 

Abel-Meiiolah,  ay'bel- 

me-ho'Iah. 
Abel-Mizraim,  ay'bel- 

miz-ray'im. 
Abel-Siiittim,  ay'bel- 

shit'tim. 
Abez,  ay'bez. 
Abi,  ay'by. 
Abiah,  a-by'ah. 
Abi-Albon,  ay^be-al'- 

bon. 

Abiathar,  ab-i'a-thar. 
Abib,  ay 'bib. 
Abidah,  ab-i'dah. 
Abidan,  ab-iMan. 
Abiel,  ab-i'el. 
Abiezer,  ay-be-e'zer. 
Abi-Ezrite,  ay-be-ez'- 
rite. 

Abigail,  ab'e-gale. 
Abihail,  ab'e-bale. 
Abihu,  ab-i'hu. 
Abijah,  ab-i'jah. 
Abijam,  ab-i'jam. 
Abilene,  ab-e-le'ne. 
Abimael,  ab-im'ma-el. 
Abimelech,  ab-im'me- 
lek. 

Abinadab,  ab-in'na-dab. 
Abinoam,  ab-in'no-am. 
Abiram,  ab-i'ram. 
Abishag,  ab-i'shag. 
Abishai,  ab-bish'a-i,  or 

ab-be-shay'i. 
Abishalom,  ab-bisli'a- 

lom. 

Abishua,  ab-be-shu'a. 


Abishur,  ab-bi'shoor. 
Abital,  ab-bi'tal. 
Abitub,  ab-bi'toob. 
Abiud,  ab-bi'ud. 
A  BR  AM,  ay'bram. 
Abraham,  ay 'bra-bam. 
Absalom,  ab'sa-lom. 
AccAD,  ak'kad. 
Acciio,  ak'ko. 
Aceldama,  a-kel'da- 
mali. 

AcHAiA,  a-kay'yab. 
AcHAicus,  a-kay'e-kus. 
Achan,  a'kan. 
AciiAR,  a'kar. 
AcHBOR,  ak'bor. 
AciiiM,  a'kim. 
AcHiSH,  a'kisb. 
Achmetiia,  ak'me-tbah. 
AcHOR,  a'kor. 
AcHSAH,  ak'sali. 
AcHSHAPii,  ak'shaf. 
AcHziB,  ak'zib. 
Adadah,  ad'a-dah. 
Adah,  ay'dah. 
Adaiah,  ad-day 'yah,  or 

ad-a-i'ah. 
Adaliah,  ad-a-li'ah. 
Adam,  ad'dam. 
Adamah,  ad'da-mah. 
Ada  mi,  ad'da-my. 
Adar,  ay'dar. 
Adbeel,  ad'be-el. 
Addi,  ad'dy. 
Addon,  adMon. 
Adiel,  ayMe-el. 
Adin,  ay 'din. 
Adithaim,  ad-e-tbay'im. 
Adlai,  ad'lay-i. 
Admah,  ad'raah. 
Admathah,  ad'raa-thah. 
Adnah,  ad'nah. 
Adoni-Bezek,  ad-o'ni- 

be'zek. 
Adonijah,  ad-o-ny'jah. 
Adonikam,  ad-o-ny'kam. 
Adoniram,  ad-o-ny'ram. 
Adoni-Zedek,  ad-o'ni- 

ze'dek. 
Adoraim,  ad-o-ray'im. 
A  DOR  AM,  ad-o'ram. 
Adrammelech,  ad-ram'- 

me-lek. 


Adramyttium,  ad-ra° 

mit'te-um. 
Adria,  ay'dre-ah. 
Adullam,  ad-ul'lam. 
Agabus,  ag'ga-bus. 
Agag,  ay'gag. 
Agagite,  ay'gag-ite. 
Agar,  ay 'gar. 
Agrippa,  a-grip'pah. 
Agur,  ay'gur. 
Arab,  ay'hab. 
Ahaslerus,  a-has-u-e'- 

rus. 

Ahava,  ay'ha-va,  or 

a-hay'vah. 
AiiAZ,  ay'haz. 
AiiAziAH,  a-ha-zy'ah. 
AiiiAH,  a-liy'ah. 
Ahiezer,  a-hy-e^zer. 
AniJAii,  a-liy'jah. 
AniKAM,  a-liy'kam. 
Ahilud,  a-liy'lud. 
Ahimaaz,  a-hini'ma-az. 
AiiiMAN,  a-hy'nian. 
Ahimelech,  a-him'me- 

lek. 

Ahimoth,  a-hy'mowth. 
Ahinoam,  a-hin'no-am. 
Ahio,  a-hy'o. 
Ahira,  a-hy'ra. 
Ahisamach,  a-his'sa- 
mak. 

Ahishar,  a-by'shar. 
Ahithophel,  a-hith'o- 
fel. 

Ahitub,  a-hy'tub. 
Ahihud,  a-hy'hud. 
Ahlab,  ah'iab. 
Aholah,  a-ho'lah. 
Aholiab,  a-ho'le-ab. 
Aholibah,  a-ho-li'bah. 
Aholibamah,  a-ho-le- 

bay'mah,  or  a-ho-lib'a- 

mah. 
Ai,  ay'i. 
AiOTH,  ay'oth. 
Ajalon,  ad'ja-lon. 
Alammelech,  al-am'me- 

lek. 

Alexander,  al-ex-an'- 
der. 

Alexandria,  al-ex-an'- 
dre-a. 


ALL 


397 


BAA 


Alleluia,  al-le-lu'yah. 
Allon,  al'lon. 
Allon-Bachuth,  alQon- 

bak'kuth. 
Almodad,  al-mo'dad. 
Alpha,  al'fali. 
Alpheus,  al-fe'us. 
Amalek,  am'a-lek. 
Amalekites,  am-aFek- 

ites. 

Amana,  am-ay'nah. 
Amariah,  am-a-ry'ah. 
Amasa,  am'a-sa. 
Amaziah,  am-a-zy'ah. 
Ammah,  am'mah. 
Ammi,  am'iny. 
Amminadab,  am-min'na- 
dab. 

Ammihud,  am-mi'liood. 
Ammishaddai,  am'me- 

shad'day-i. 
Ammon,  am'mon. 
Ammonites,  am'mon- 

ites. 

Amnon,  am'non. 
Amon,  ay 'in  on. 
Amorite,  am'o-rite. 
Amos,  ay'mos. 
Amoz,  ay'moz. 
Amphipolis,  am-fip'po- 
lis. 

Amplias,  am'ple-as. 
Amram,  am'ram. 
Amraphel,  am'ra-fel. 
Anah,  ay'nah. 
Anak,  ay'nak. 
Anakims,  an'ak-ims. 
Anammelech,  an-am^- 

me-lek. 
Ananias,  an-a-ny'as. 
Anathoth,  an'a-thowth. 
Andrew,  an'droo. 
Andronicus,  an-dro-ni'- 

kus. 
Aner,  ay'ner. 
Anna,  an'nah. 
Annas,  an'nas. 
Antichrist,  an'te-kryste. 
Antioch,  an'te-ok. 
Antipas,  an'te-pas. 
Antipatris,  an-te-pat'- 

ris,  or  an-tip'a-tris. 
Apelles,  a-pel'lees. 


Aphek,  ay'fek. 
Apollonia,  ap-po-lo'ne- 
ah. 

Apollos,  a-pol'ios. 
Apollyon,  ap-pol'yon, 

or  ap-poKle-on. 
Apphia,  af'yali,  or  af'fe- 

ah. 

Appii-Forum,  ap'pe-i-fo'- 
rum. 

Aquila,  ak'wil-ah. 
Ar,  ar. 

Arabia,  a-ray'be-ah. 
Arabian,  a-ray'be-an. 
Aram,  ay 'ram. 
Ararat,  ar'ra-rat. 
Araunah,  a-raw'nah. 
Area,  ar'bah. 
Archelaus,  ar-ke-lay'us. 
Archippus,  ar-kip'pus. 
Arcturus,  ark-tew'rus. 
Ard,  ard. 
Areli,  a-re'lie. 
Areopagite,  a-re-op'a- 

gyte. 

Areopagus,  a-re-op'a- 
gus. 

Aretas,  ar'e-tas. 
Argob,  ar'gobe. 
Ariel,  ay're-el. 
Arimathea,  a-re-ma- 

the'ah. 
Arioch,  ay'ri-ok. 
Aristarchus,  ar-is-tar'- 

kus. 

Aristobulus,  a-ris-to- 

bew'lus. 
Armageddon,  ar-ma- 

ged'don. 
Armenia,  ar-me'ne-ah. 
Arnon,  ar'non. 
Aroer,  ar'o-er. 
Arpad,  ar'pad. 
Arphaxad,  ar-fak'sad. 
Artaxerxes,  ar-tar- 

zerk'ees. 
Arte  mas,  ar'te-mas. 
Asa,  ay'sah. 
Asahel,  as'a-hel. 
AsAiAH,  a-say'ah. 
Asaph,  ay'saf. 
AsENATH,  as'e-natli. 
AsHDOD,  ash'dod. 


AsHER,  ashler. 
AsHiMA,  ash'e-mah. 
AsHKENAz,  asli'ke-naa. 
AsHTAROTH,  asli'tar- 

owth. 
AsiiuR,  ash'ur. 
Asia,  ay 'shah. 
AsKELON,  as'ke-lon. 
AsNAPPER,  as-nap'per. 
AssiR,  as'seer. 
Assos,  as'sos. 
Assyria,  as-syr're-a. 
Assyrian,  as-syr're-an. 
AsYNCRiTUS,  a-sin'krit- 

us. 

Atad,  ay 'tad. 
Athaliah,  ath-a-ly'ah, 
Athenians,  ath-ee'ne- 
ans. 

Athens,  ath'ens. 
Attalia,  at-ta-ly'ah. 
Augustus,  aw-gus'tiie, 
Aven,  ay'ven. 
AzARiAH,  az-a-ry'ah. 
AzEKAH,  az'ek-ah. 
AzGAD,  az'gad. 
Aznoth-Tabor,  az'- 

nowth-tay'bor. 
AzoTus,  a-zo'tus. 
AzuR,  ay'zoor. 


B. 

Baal,  bay'al. 
Baalah,  bay'al-ah. 
Baal-Berith,  bay'al- 

be'rith. 
Baal-Gad,  bay'al-gad'. 
Baal- H AMON,  bay'al- 

hay'mon. 
Baal-Hermon,  bay  al- 

her'mon. 
Baali,  bay'al-lie. 
Baalim,  bay'al-lina. 
Baalis,  bay'al-lis. 
Baal-Meon,  bay'al- 

me'on. 
Baal-Peor,  bay'al-pe'or 
Baal-Perazim,  bay'al- 

per-az  im. 
Baal-Shalisha,  bay'al- 

shal-ish'ah. 


BAA 


398 


CAR 


Baal-Tamar,  bay ^al  tay 
mar. 

Baal-Zebub,  bay'al-ze'- 
Doob. 

Baal-Zephon,  bay'al- 

zef'on. 
Baanah,  bay'a-nah. 
Baashah,  bay'ash-ah. 
Babel,  bay'bel. 
Babylon,  bab'be-lon. 
Babylonians,  bab'be- 

lo'ne-ans. 
Babylonish,  bab-be-lo'- 

nish. 
Baca,  bay'kah. 
Bahurim,  ba-hoor'im. 
Bajith,  bay'jith. 
Balaam,  bay'lam. 
Balak,  bay'lak. 
Bamah,  bay'mah. 
Barabbas,  bar-ab'bas. 
Barachel,  bar'a-kel. 
Barachias,  bar'a-ky'as. 
Barak,  bay'rak. 
Bar-Jesus,  bar-je'sus. 
Bar-Jonah,  bar-jo'nah. 
Barnabas,  bar'na-bas. 
Barsabas,  bar'sa-bas. 
Bartholomew,  bar- 

thol'lo-mew. 
Bartimeus,  bar'te-me'- 

us. 

Baruch,  bay'rook. 
Barzillai,  bar-zil'la-i. 
Bashan,  bay'shan. 
Bashemath,  bash'e- 
math. 

Bath-Shebah,  bath'she- 

bah. 
Bedad,  beMad. 
Bedan,  be'dan. 
Beel-Zebub,  be-el'ze- 

boob'. 
Beer,  be'er. 
Beer-Lahai-Roi,  be'er- 

la-hay'-e-roy. 
Beer-Sheba,  be'er-she'- 

bah. 
Bekah,  be'kah. 
Bel,  bell. 
Belial,  bee'le-al. 
Belshazzar,  bel-shaz'-  . 


Belteshazzar,  bel-te- 

shaz'zar. 
Benaiah,  ben-ay'yah. 
Ben-Ammi,  ben-am'niy. 
Benhadad,  ben-hay '(lad. 
Benjamin,  ben'ja-min. 
Benjamite,  ben'ja-mite. 
Benoni,  ben-o'ny. 
Beor,  be'or. 
Berachah,  ber-rak'kali. 
Berea,  be-ree'ah. 
Berith,  be'rith. 
Bernice,  ber-ni'see. 
Besor,  be'sor. 
Betah,  be'tah. 
Bethabara,  beth-ab'ar- 

ah. 

Bethany,  beth'a-ne. 
Beth-Aven,  beth-ny'von. 
Beth-Birei,  betli-bir'i. 
Beth-Car,  beth'kar. 
Beth-Dagon,  beth-day'- 
gon. 

Beth-Diblathaim,  beth'- 

dib-la-thay'im. 
Bethel,  beth'el. 
Bethelite,  beth'el-ite. 
Bether,  be'ther. 
Bethesda,  beth-esMah. 
Beth-Ezel,  beth-e'zel. 
Beth-Gamul,  beth-ga'- 

mool. 

Beth-Haccerem,  beth'- 

hak-er'em. 
Beth-Horon,  betli-ho'- 

ron. 

Beth-Lehem,  beth'le- 
hem. 

Beth-Lehem  Ephratah, 

beth'le-hem  ef'ra-tah. 
Beth-Lehem-J  udah. 

beth'le-hem-ju'dah. 
Bethlehemite,  beth'le- 

hem-ite. 
Beth-Peor,  beth-pe'or. 
Bethphage,  beth'fa-jee. 
Bethsaida,  beth-say'- 

dah. 

Bethshan,  beth'shan. 
Beth-Shemesh,  beth- 

she'mesh. 
Bethuel,  beth'oo-el. 
Beulah,  be-oo'lah. 


Bezaleel,  be-zal'e-eL 
Bezek,  be'zek. 
BiCHRi,  bik'ry. 
Bidkar,  bid'kar. 
BiGTHAN,  big'than. 
Bildai),  bil'dad. 
Bilhah,  bil'hah. 
BiRSHAH,  bir'shah. 
BiTHiAH,  bith-i'ah. 
BiTHRON,  bith'ron. 
Bithynia,  be-thin'e-ah, 
Blastus,  blas'tus. 
Boanerges,  bo^a-ner'- 

jees. 
Boaz,  bo'az. 
Bochim,  bo'kim. 
Booz,  bo'oz. 
BozEZ,  bo'zez. 
BozRAH,  boz'rah. 
Bul,  bool. 
Buz,  booz. 
Buzi,  booz'i. 
BuziTE,  booz'ite. 

C. 

Cabul,  kab'ool. 
Caiaphas,  kay'a-fas. 
Cain,  kane. 
Cainan,  kay-i'nan. 
Calah,  kay'lah. 
Caleb,  kay'leb. 
Caleb-Ephratah,  kay'- 

leb-ef'ra-tah. 
Calneh,  kal'nay. 
Calno,  kal'no. 
Calvary,  kal'va-re. 
Camon,  kay'mon. 
Cana,  kay'nah. 
Canaan,  kay'nan. 
Canaanite,  kay'nan-ite. 
Candace,  kan'da-see. 
Capernaum,  ka-per'na- 

um. 

Caphtor,  kaf 'tor. 
Cappadocia,  kap'ad-o'- 
sha. 

Carcas,  kar'kas. 
Carchemish,  kar'kem- 
ish. 

Carmel,  kar'mel. 
Carmelite,  kar'mel-ite. 
Carmi,  kar'my. 


CAR 


399 


ELI 


Carpus,  kar'pus. 
Casiphia,  ka-sif'yah. 
Cedron,  see'dron. 
Cenchrea,  sen'kre-ah. 
Cephas,  see'fas. 
C^sar,  see'zar. 
C^SAREA,  see-zar-e'a. 
Chalcol,  kal'kol. 
Chaldea,  kal-dee'a. 
Chaldean,  kal-dee'an. 
Chaldees,  kal-deez'. 
Chabran,  kar'ran. 
Chebar,  ke'bar. 
Chedorlaomer,  ke'dor- 

lay'o-mer. 
Chemarims,  kem'ar- 

ims. 

Chemosh,  kee'mosh. 
Chenaniah,  ke-nan-i'ah. 
Cherethims,  ke'reth- 
ims. 

Cherethites,  ke'reth- 
ites. 

Cherith,  ke'rith. 
Chesed,  ke'sed. 
Chileab,  kil'e-ab. 
Chilion,  kil'yon. 
Chilmad,  kil'mad. 
Chimham,  kim'ham. 
Chios,  ki'os. 
Chisleu,  kis'lew. 
Chittim,  kit'tini. 
Chiun,  ki'oon. 
Chloe,  klo'ee. 
Chorazin,  ko-ray'zin. 
Chushan-Rishathaim, 

koosh'an-rish-a-thay'- 

im. 

Chuza,  koo'zah. 
CiLiciA,  si-lish'yah. 
Clauda,  klaw'da. 
Claudia,  klaw'de-ah. 
Dlement,  klem'ent. 
Cleophas,  kle'o-fas. 
CoLOSSE,  ko-los'see. 
CoNiAH,  ko-ni'ah. 
Corinth,  kor'inth. 
Corinthians,  kor-inth'- 

e-ans. 
Cornelius,  kor-neel'- 

yus. 
CozBi,  koz'bye. 
Crescens,  kres'sens. 


Crete,  kreet. 
Cretes,  kreets. 
Cretians,  kreet'yans. 
Crispus,  kris'pus. 
CusH,  koosh. 
CusHAN,  koosh'an. 
CuSHi,  koosh'i. 
Cyprus,  sy'prus. 
CrRENE,  sy-ree'ne. 
Cyrenians,  sy-reen'yans. 
Cyrenius,  sy-reen'yus. 
Cyrus,  sy'rus. 

D. 

Dabbasheth,  dab-asV- 
eth. 

Daberath,  day'ber-ath. 
Dagon,  day'gon. 
Dalmanutha,  dal-man- 

oo'tha. 
Dalmatia,  dal-may'sha. 
Damaris,  dam^a-ris. 
Damascus,  dam-as'kus. 
Dan,  dan. 
Daniel,  dan'yel. 
Dara,  day'rah. 
Darius,  da-ry'us. 
Dathan,  day'than. 
David,  day'vid. 
Deborah,  deb'or-ah. 
Decapolis,  de-kap'po- 

lis. 

Dedan,  de'dan. 
Dedanim,  de'dan-im. 
Delilah,  de-li'lah. 
Demas,  de'mas. 
Demetrius,  de-me'tri- 
us. 

Derbe,  der'be. 
Deuel,  doo'el. 
Diana,  di-an'ah. 
DiBON,  di'bon. 
Dibon-Gad,  di'bon-gad'. 
DiDYMus,  did'e-mus. 
DiMON,  di'mon. 
Dinah,  di'nah. 
DiNHABAH,  din'hab-ah. 
DiONYsius,  dy-o-nis'yus. 
DiOTREPHES,  dy-ot're- 

feez. 
DoEG,  do'eg. 
Dor,  dor. 


Dorcas,  dor'kas. 
DoTHAN,  doe'than. 
Drusilla,  droo-sil'lah. 
DuMAH,  doom'ah. 
Dura,  doo'rah. 


E. 

Easter,  ees'ter. 
Ebal,  ee'bal. 
Ebed,  ee'bed. 
Ebed-Melech,  ee'bed- 

mee'lek. 
Eben-Ezer,  ee'ben-ee'- 

zer. 
Eber,  ee'ber. 
Ebiasaph,  e-bi'a-saf. 
Ed,  edd. 
Eden,  ee'den. 
Edom,  eeMom. 
Edomites,  e'dom-ite«.- 
Edrei,  ed're-i. 
Eglah,  eg'lah. 
Eglaim,  eg-lay'im. 
Eglon,  eg'lon. 
Egypt,  ee'jipt. 
Egyptian,  e-jip'shan. 
Ehud,  e^hud. 
Ekron,  ek'ron. 
Ekronites,  ek'ron-ites. 
Elah,  eQah. 
Elam,  e'lam. 
Elamites,  e'lam-ites. 
Elath,  e'latli. 
El-Bethel,  el-beth'el. 
Eldad,  el'dad. 
Elealeh,  el-e-ay'lay. 
Eleazar,  el-e-ay'zar. 
El-Elohe-Israel,  el-el- 

o'he-iz'ra-el. 
Elhanan,  el-hay 'nan. 
Eli,  e'lye. 
Eliab,  el-i'ab. 
EliadAj  e-ly'a-da. 
Eliakim,  el-i'a-kim. 
Eliam,  el-i'ain. 
Elias,  el-i'as. 
Eliashib,  el-i'a-shib. 
Eliathah,  e-ly'a-thah. 
Eliezer  ,ePi-e'zer. 
Elihoreph,  eri-ho'ref. 
Elihu,  el-i'hoo. 


ELI 

Elijah,  e-ly'jah. 
Elika,  el-i'kah. 
Elim,  e'lim. 

Elimelech,  el-im'me-lek. 
Elioenai,  el'e-o'e-nay'i. 
Eliphalet,  el-i'fa-let. 
Eliphaz,  el'le-faz,  or  e- 
li'faz. 

Elisabeth,  e-liz'a-beth. 
Elisha,  e-ly'sha, 
Elishah,  e-ly'shah. 
Elishamah,  el-i'sha-mah. 
Elisheba,  el-i'she-ba. 
Eltshua,  el-i'shoo'a. 
Eliud,  el-i'ood. 
Elizur,  el-i'zoor. 
Elkanah,  el-kay'nah. 
Elmodam,  el-moMam. 
Elnathan,  el-nay 'than. 
Elon,  e'lon. 
Elul,  e'lool. 
Eluzai,  el'oo-zay'i. 
Elymas,  ePe-mas. 
Emims,  e'mims. 
Emmaus,  em-may'us. 
Emmor,  em'mor. 
En-Dor,  en'dor. 
*Eneas,  e'ne-as. 
En-Eglaim,  en'eg-lay'im. 
En-Gedi,  en'ged-i. 
En-Mishpat,  en-niish'- 

pat. 
Enoch,  e'nok. 
Enon,  e'non. 
Enos,  e'nos. 
En-Rogel,  en-ro'gel. 
En-Shemesh,  en-she'- 

mesh. 
Epaphras,  ep'af-ras. 
Epaphroditus,  ep-af'ro- 

di'tus. 
Epenetus,  ep-e'net-us. 
Ephah,  e'fah. 
Ephes-Dammim,  e'feez- 

dam'mim. 
Ephesians,  ef-fee'zi-ans. 
Ephesus,  ef'e-sus. 
Ephphatha,  ef'ath-a. 
Ephraim,  ef'ra-im. 
Ephraimites,  ef'ra-im- 

ites. 


♦^'ne-as,  better  spelling. 


400 

Ephratah,  ef'ra-tah. 
Ephrath,  ef'rath. 
Epiiratiiites,  ef'rath- 
ites. 

Ephron,  ef'ron. 
Epicureans,  ep-e-kew- 

re'ans. 
Er,  err. 

Erastus,  e-ras'tus. 
Erech,  e'rek. 
EsAiAS,  e-za'yas. 
Esar-Haddon,  e'sar- 

had'don. 
Esau,  e'saw. 
Esek,  e'sek. 
Esh-Baal,  esh'bay-al. 
Eshcol,  esli'kol. 
EsHTAOL,  esh'ta-ol. 
Eshtemoa,  esh-tem-o'- 

ah. 

EsLi,  es'lye. 
EsROM,  es'rom. 
Esther,  ess'ter. 
Etam,  e'tam. 
Etham,  e'thani. 
Ethan,  e'than. 
Ethanim,  eth'an-im. 
Ethbaal,  eth-bay'al. 
Ethiopia,  ee-the-o'pe-a. 
Ethiopians,  ee-the-o'pe- 
ans. 

EuBULUs,  yew-bew'lus. 
Eunice,  yew-ny'see. 
EuODiAS,  yew-o'de-as. 
Euphrates,  yew-fray'- 
tes. 

Eutychus,  yew'te-kus. 
Eve,  eev. 

Evil-Merodach,  ee'vil- 

me'ro-dak. 
Ezekiel,  e-zee'ke-el. 
EzEL,  e'zel. 
Ezion-Geber,  e'ze-on- 

ge'ber. 
Ezra,  ez'ra. 


Felix,  fe'lix. 
Festus,  fes'tus. 
Fortunatus,  for-tu-nay 
tus. 


GIA 


G. 

Gaal,  gay'al. 
Gaash,  gay 'ash. 
Gabbatha,  gab'ba-tha. 
Gabriel,  gay'bre-el. 
Gad,  gadd. 

Gadarenes,  gad-a-reens 
Gaddi,  gad'dy. 
Gaddiel,  gad'de-el. 
Gadites,  gad'ites. 
Gaius,  ga'yus. 
Galatia,  gal-ay'sha. 
Galatians,  gal-ay'shans. 
Galbanum,  gal'ba-num. 
Galeed,  gal'e-ed. 
Galilee,  gal'il-ee. 
Galileans,  gal-le-lee'- 
ans. 

Gallim,  gal'lim. 
Gallio,  gal'li-o. 
Gamaliel,  gam-ay  le-el. 
Gammadims,  gam'ma- 

dims. 
Gatam,  gay'tam. 
Gath,  gath. 

Gath-Rimmon,  gath-rim'- 

mon. 
Gaza,  gay'zah. 
Geba,  ge'bah. 
Gebal,  ge'bal. 
Gebim,  ge'bim. 
Gedaliah,  ged-al-i'ah. 
Gehazi,  ge-hay'zj^e. 
Gemariah,  gem-a-ry'ah. 
Gennesaret,  gen-ness'- 

a-ret. 

Genubath,  ge-nu'bath. 
Gera,  ge'rah. 
Gerah,  ge'rah. 
Gerar,  ge'rar. 
Gergesenes,  ger'ge- 

seens. 
Gerizim,  ger're-zim. 
Gershom,  ger'shom. 
Gershon,  ger'shon. 
Geshur,  ge'shoor. 
Geshurites,  ge'shoor- 

ites. 

Gether,  ge'ther. 
Gethsemane,  geth-sem'« 

a-ne. 
Giah,  gy'ah. 


GIB 


401 


IRA 


GiBEAH,  gib'e-ah. 
GiBEON,  gib'e-on. 
GiBEONiTES,  gib'e-on- 
ites. 

Gideon,  gid'e-on. 
GiDEONi,  gid-e-o'ny. 
GiHON,  giOion. 
GiLBOA,  gil-bo'ah. 
GiLEAD,  gil'e-ad. 
GiLEADiTES,  gil'e-ad- 
ites. 

GiLGAL,  gil'gal. 
GiLOH,  gy'lo. 
GiLONiTE,  gi'lon-ite. 
GiRGASHiTE,  gir'ga-shite. 
GiTTiTE,  git'tite. 
Gob,  gobe. 
Gog,  gog. 
Golan,  go'Ian. 
Golgotha,  goHgo-thah. 
Goliath,  go-ly'ath. 
Go3ier,  go''mer. 
Gomorrah,  go-mor'rah. 
Goshen,  go'shen. 
GozAN,  go'zan. 
Grecia,  gree'shah. 
Grecians,  gree'shans. 
Greece,  greece. 
Greek,  greek. 
Greeks,  greeks. 
GuR,  goor. 


H. 

Habakkuk,  ha-bak'ook. 
Hachaliah,  hak-a-ly'- 
ah. 

Hachilah,  hak'e-lali. 
Hadad,  hay 'dad. 
Hadadezer,  had'ad-ee'- 
zer. 

Hadadrimmon,  had'ad- 

rim'mon. 
Hadassah,  had-as'sah. 
Hadoram,  ha-do'ram. 
Hadrach,  had  rak. 
Hagar,  hay'gar. 
Hagarenes,  hay-gar- 

eens'. 

Hagarites,  hay'gar-ites. 
Haggai,  hag'a-i. 
Haggith,  hag'gith. 
Halleluiah,  hal-le-loo'- 
yah. 


Ham,  ham. 
Haman,  hay'man. 
Hamatii,  hay'math. 
Hammedatha,  ham- 

nicd'a-tlia. 
Hamon-Gog,  liay'mon- 

gog'. 
Hamor,  hay'nior. 
Hamutal,  }ia-nioo'tal. 
Hanameel,  han'am-e^el. 
Hananeel,  han'an-e'el. 
Hanani,  han-ay'ny. 
Hannah,  haii'nah. 
Hanoch,  hay'nok. 
Hanun,  hay 'noon. 
Haran,  hay 'ran. 
Harbonah,  har-bo'nah, 
Harod,  hay'rod. 
Harosheth,  ha-ro'sheth. 
Hashmonah,  hash-mo'- 

nah. 

Hatach,  hay'tak. 
Havilah,  ha-vil'ah. 
Havoth-Jair,  hayVoth- 

Ja'ir. 
Hazael,  haz'a-el. 
Hazarmaveth,  hay'zar- 

may'veth. 
Hazelelponi,  haz'e-lel- 

po'ni. 

Hazeroth,  haz'er-oth. 
Hazor,  hay'zor. 
Heber,  he'ber. 
Hebrews,  he'brews. 
Hebron,  he'bron. 
Hegai,  he'ga-i. 
Hege,  lie'ge. 
Helam,  he'lam. 
Helbon,  hel'bon. 
Heldai,  hel'day-i. 
Heli,  he'ly. 
Helkath-Hazurim, 

hel'kath-Haz'zoor-im. 
Heman,  he 'man. 
Hen,  hen. 

Hephzi-bah,  hef-zi'bah. 
Hermes,  her'mees. 
Hermogenes,  her-moj'- 

en-eez. 
Hermon,  her'mon. 
Hermonites,  her'mon- 

ites. 
Herod,  her'odo 
Herodians,  he-ro'de-ans. 


Herodias,  he-ro'de-as. 
Herodion,  he-ro'de-on. 
Hesiibon,  hesh'bon. 
Hetii,  heth. 
Hethlon,  heth 'Ion. 
Hezekiaii,  hez-e-ky'ah. 
.  Hezron,  hez'ron. 
HiDDEKEL,  hid-dek'el. 
Hi  EL,  hy'el. 

Hi ERAPOLis,  hy-er-ap 'po- 
lls. 

HiGGAiON,  hig-gay'yon. 
HiLKiAii,  hil-ky'ah. 
HiLLEL,  hil'Iel. 
HiNNOM,  hin'nom. 
Hiram,  hi'ram. 
HiTTiTES,  liit'tites. 
HiviTES,  hi'vites. 
Hobab,  ho'bab. 
HoBAH,  ho'bah. 
HoGLAH,  hog'lah. 
HoPHNi,  hoph'ni.  - 
HoR,  liorr. 
HoREB,  ho'reb. 
HoR-HAGiDGAD,  hor'ha- 

gid'gad. 
HoRMAH,  hor'mah. 
HoRONAiM,  hor-o-nay'im. 
HoRONiTE,  hor'on-ite. 
HosEA,  ho-ze'a. 
HosHEA,  ho-she'a. 
HuL,  hool. 
HuLDAH,  hool'dah. 
HuR,  boor 
HusHAi,  hoc  shay-i. 
Hltzzab,  hooz'ab. 
Hymeneus,  hy-men-ee'- 

us. 

I. 

Ibhar,  ib'har. 
IcHABOD,  i'ka-bodo 
IcoNiuM,  i-ko'ne-um. 
Iddo,  id'doe. 
Idumea,  i-du-me'a. 
Igdalia,  ig-da-ly'ah. 
I  JON,  i'jon. 

Illyricum,  il-lir'e-kum. 
Imlah,  im'lah. 
Immanuel,  im-man'u-el. 
India,  ind'ya. 
Iphedeiah,  if-ed-i'ah. 
Ira,  i'rah. 


IRA 


402 


JUL 


Irad,  i'rad. 
Ikijah,  i-ri'jah. 
Isaac,  i'zak. 
Isaiah,  i-zay'yah. 
IscAH,  is'kah. 
IscARiOT,  is-kar'i-ot. 
IsHBAK,  ish'bak. 
Ishbi-Benob,  ish'bi- 

ben'obe. 
IsH-BosiiETH,  ish-bo'- 

sheth. 
IsHMAEL,  ish'ma-el. 
IsHMAELiTES,  ish'ma-el- 

ites. 
Israel,  iz'ra-el. 
Israelites,  iz'ra-el-ites. 
IssACHAR,  is'sa-kar. 
Italian,  it-al'yan. 
Italy,  it'a-le. 
Ithamar,  i'tha-mar. 
Ithiel,  ith'e-el. 
Ithream,  ith're-am. 
Iturea,  it-u-re'a. 
IvAH,  i'vah. 


J. 

Jaalam,  jay'a-lam. 
Jaazania,  ja-az-an-i'ah. 
Jabal,  jay'bal. 
Jabbok,  jab'bok. 
Jabesh,  jay'besh. 
Jabesh-Gilead,  jay'- 

besh-gil'e-ad. 
Jabez,  jay'bez. 
Jabin,  jay'bin. 
Jabneel,  jab'ne-el. 
Jachin,  jay'kin. 
Jacob,  jay'kob. 
Jael,  jay'el. 
Jah,  jah. 
Jahaz,  jayMiaz. 
Jahaza,  ja'haz-ah. 
Jair,  jay'er. 
Jairus,  ja-i'rus. 
Jambres,  jam'brees. 
James,  jaymz. 
Janna,  jan'nah. 
Jannes,  jan'neez. 
Japhetii,  jay'feth. 
Japiiiah,  ja-fi^ah. 
Jareb,  jay'reb. 
Jared,  jay'red. 


Jasher,  jay'sber. 
Jason,  jay'son. 
Javan,  jay'van. 
Jazer,  jay'zer. 
Jebus,  je'boos. 
Jebusites,  je'boos-ites. 
Jeconiaii,  jek-o-ni'ab. 
Jedidiam,  jed-id-i'ali. 
Jkduthun,  jed-ooth'oon. 
Jegar-Sahadutha,  je'- 

gar-sa-ba-doo'tha. 
Jehoahaz,  je-bo'a-baz. 
Jehoash,  je-bo'asli. 
Jehoiachin,  je-ho'ya- 

kin. 

Jehoiada,  je-bo'ya-dah. 
Jehoiakim,  je-bo'ya- 
kim. 

Jehonadab,  je-bo'na- 
dab. 

Jehoram,  je-bo'ram. 
Jehoshaphat,  je-hosh'af- 
at. 

Jehovah,  je-bo'vah. 
Jehovah-Jireh,  je-bo'- 

vah-ji'ray. 
Jehovah-Nissi,  je-ho'- 

vah-nis'si. 
Jehovah-Shalom,  je- 

ho'vah-sba'lom. 
Jehovah-Shammah,  je- 

bo'vali-sbam'rnab. 
Jehovah-Tsidkenu,  je- 

ho'vab-tsid'ke-nu. 
Jehu,  je'hu. 
Jehldijah,  je-hood-i'- 

jah. 

Jemima,  je-mi'mah. 
Jephthah,  jef'tab. 
Jephunneh,  je-foon'eh. 
Jerah,  je'rah. 
Jerahmeel,  je-rah^me- 
el. 

Jeremiah,  jer-e-my'ab. 
Jericho,  jer'e-ko. 
Jerimoth,  jer'ri-moth. 
Jeroboam,  jer-o-bo'am. 
Jerubbaal,  je-roob'bay- 
al. 

Jerubbesheth,  je-roob'- 

be-sbetb. 
Jerusalem,  je-roo'sa- 

lem. 

Jerusha,  je-roo'sh^. 


Jeshimon,  je-sbim'on. 
Jeshua,  jesb'oo-a. 
Jeshurun,  jesb-oor'oon. 
Jesse,  jes'se. 
Jesui,  je-soo'i. 
Jesuites,  je'soo-ites. 
Jesus,  jee'sus. 
Jether,  je'tber. 
Jethro,  jetb'ro. 
Jetur,  je'toor. 
Jeush,  je^oosh. 
Jew,  jew. 
Jewish,  jew'ish. 
Jewry,  jew 're. 
Jews,  jewz. 
Jezebel,  jez'e-bel. 
Jezrahiah,  jez-rah-i'ah. 
Jezreel,  jez're-el. 
J  Ez  REE  LITE,  jez're-el-itc. 
JiDLAPH,  jid'laf. 
Joab,  jo'ab. 
JoAH,  jo'ab. 
Joanna,  jo-an'ah. 
JoASH,  jo'ash. 
Job,  jobe. 

JocHEBED,  jo'ke-bed. 
Joel,  jo'el. 
JoEZER,  jo-e'zer. 
Johanan,  jo-bay'nan. 
Johar,  jo'hah. 
John,  jon. 
Jokshan,  jok'sban. 
JoKTAN,  jok'tan. 
Jonadab,  jon'na-dab. 
Jonah,  jo'nah. 
Jonas,  jo'nas. 
Jonathan,  jon'a-than. 
JoppA,  jop'pab. 
JoRAM,  jo'ram. 
Jordan,  jor'dan. 
JoRiM,  jo'rim. 
Jose,  jo'se. 
Joseph,  jo'sef. 
JosES,  jo'sez. 
Joshua,  josb'u-a. 
JosiAH,  jo-sy'ah. 
Jotham,  jo'tham. 
Jural,  joo'bal. 
Jubilee,  jew'be-lee. 
JuDAH,  jewMah. 
Judas,  jewMas. 
Jude,  jewd. 
JuDEA,  jew-dee'a. 
Julia,  jew'le-a, 


JUL 


403 


MEL 


Julius,  jew'le-us. 
JuNiA,  jew'ne-a. 
Jupiter,  jevv'pe-ter. 
Justus,  jus^tus. 


K. 

Kabzeel,  kab'ze-el. 
Kadesh,  kayMesh. 
Kadesh-Barnea,  kay'- 

desh-bar'ne-ah. 
Kedar,  kee'dar. 
Kedemah,  ke-de'mah. 
Kedemoth,  ke-de'moth. 
Keilah,  ki'lah. 
Kemuel,  kem'oo-el. 
Kenaz,  kee'naz. 
Kenites,  keen'ites. 
Keren-Happuch,  ke^- 

ren-hap'ook. 
Kerioth,  ke're-oth. 
Keturah,  ke-too'rah. 
Kezia,  ke-zi'ah. 
Keziz,  kee'ziz. 
Kibroth-Hattaavah, 

kib'roth-hat-tay'a-vah. 
KiDRON,  kid'ron. 
Kir,  kirr. 

Kir-Haraseth,  kir'- 

ha-ras'eth. 
Kiriathaim,  kir'jath- 

ay'im. 
Kirjath,  kir'jath. 
Kirjath-Arba,  kir'jath- 

ar'bah. 
Kirjath-Arim,  kir'jath- 

ar'im. 

Kirjath-Baal,  kir'jath- 

bay'al. 
Kirjath-Jearim,  kir' 

jath-je'a-rim. 
Kirjath-Sannaii,  kir'- 

jath-san'nah. 
Kirjatii-Sepher,  kir'- 

jath-see'fer. 
KiSH,  kish. 
Kittim,  kit'tim. 
KoiiATH,  ko'hath. 
Kohatiiites,  ko'hath- 

ites. 
Koraii,  ko'rah. 


Laban,  lay'ban. 
Lachish,  lay'kish. 
Lahmi,  lah'my. 
Laish,  lay'ish. 
Lamech,  lay'mek. 
Laodicea,  lay'od-i-see'a. 
Laodiceans,  lay'od-i- 

see'ans. 
Lapidoth,  lay'pid-oth. 
Lazarus,  laz'a-rus. 
Leah,  lee'ah. 
Lebanon,  leb'ba-non. 
Lebbeus,  leb-be'us. 
Legion,  lee'jun. 
Lehabim,  le'hab-im. 
Lehi,  le'hy. 
Lemuel,  lein'oo-eL 
Levi,  lee'vy. 
Levites,  lee'vites. 
Libnah,  lib'nah. 
LiBNi,  lib'ny. 
Libya,  lib'e-a. 
Libyans,  lib'e-ans. 
Linus,  ly'nus. 
Lo-Ammi,  lo-am'my. 
Lois,  lo'is. 

Lo-RuHAMAH,  lo-roo'- 

ham-ah. 
Lot,  lott. 
Lucas,  loo'kas. 
Lucifer,  loo'sif-er, 
Lucius,  loosh'yus. 
Luke,  lewk. 
Luz,  looz'. 

Lycaonia,  ly-kay-o'ne-a. 
Lydda,  lidMah. 
Lysanias,  ly-say'ne-as. 
Lystra,  lis'trah. 


M. 

Maachah,  niay'a-kah. 
Maaseiah,  ma-a-sy'ah. 
Macedonia,  mas-se-do'- 

ne-a. 
Machir,  may'kir. 
Machpelah,  mak-pee'- 

lah. 

Magdala,  mag'da-lah. 
Magdalene,  magMa-lcc' 


Magog,  may'gog. 
Magor-Missabib,  may'- 

gor-mis^sa-bib. 
Mahalaleel,  may-hay- 

la-lee'ol, 
Mahalath,  mah'al-ath. 
Mahanaim,  may'han-ay^- 

im. 

Maher-Shalal-Hasii- 

Baz,  may'her-sliay^al- 

hash'baz. 
Mahlah,  mah'lah. 
Mahlon,  mah'lon. 
Makkedah,  mak'ke-dali 
Malachi,  mal'a-ky. 
Malcham,  mal'kam. 
Malchishua,  mal-ke- 

shoo'ah. 
Malchus,  mal'kus. 
Mammon,  mam'mon. 
Mamre,  mam're. 
Manaen,  ma-nay'ei). 
Manasseh,  ma-nas'ay. 
Maneh,  may'ne. 
Manoah,  ma-no'ah. 
Maon,  may 'on. 
Mara,  may'ra. 
Marah,  may'rah. 
Marcus,  markkas. 
Mark,  mark. 
Mars-Hill,  marz-hilF. 
Martha,  mar'tha. 
Mary,  may 're. 
Masrekah,  mas-rek'ah. 
Massah,  mas'sah. 
Matri,  may 'try. 
Mattan,  mat'tan. 
Mattathias,  mat-ta- 

thy'as. 
Matthat,  mat'that. 
Matthew,  math'thew. 
Matthias,  ma-thy'as. 
Mazzaroth,  maz'za- 

roth. 
Medad,  meeMad. 
Medan,  mee'dan. 
Medes,  meedz. 
Media,  mee'de-a. 
Megiddo,  me-gid'do. 
Megiddon,  rae-gid'don. 
Mehetabel,  me-het'ta- 

bel. 

Mehujael,  me-hoo'ja-el. 
Melchi,  mel'ky. 


MEL 


404 


OBE 


Melchizedek,  mel-kiz'- 

ze-dek. 
Melita,  mel'it-a. 
MexViphis,  mem'fis, 
Memucan,  nie-moo'kan. 
Menahem,  me-nay'liem. 
Mene,  mee^ne. 
Mepiiibosheth,  me-fib'- 

bo-slieth. 
Merab,  inee'rab. 
Merari,  mer-a'ry. 
Mercurius,  mer-kew're- 

us. 

Meuibah,  me'rib-ah. 
Merib-Baal,  me'rib- 

bay'al. 
Merodach,  me^'o-dak. 
Merodacii-Baladan, 

mer'ro-dak-ba  Fa-dan. 
Merom,  mee'rom. 
Meroz,  mee'roz. 
Meshach,  mee'shak. 
Meshech,  mee'shek. 
Meshelemiah,  me-sheP- 

e-mi'ali. 
Mesopotamia,  mes'o-po- 

tay'me-a. 
Messiah,  mes-sy'ah. 
Metheg-Ammah,  mee'- 

theg-am'mah. 
Methusael,  me-thoo'- 

sa-el. 

Methuselah,  me-thoo'- 

se-lah. 
MiCAH,  my'kah. 
MiCAiAH,  my-kay'yah. 
MiCHAiAH,  the  same. 
Michael,  mi'ka-el. 
MiCHAL,  my'kal. 
Mtchmash,  mik'mash. 
Midian,  midMe-an. 
Midianites,  midMe-an- 

ites. 

MiDiANiTiSH,  mid-de-an- 

i'tish. 
MiGRON,  mig'ron. 
MiLCAH,  mil^kah. 
MiLCOM,  mil'kom. 
MiLETUM,  my-lee'tum 
MiLLO,  mil'lo. 
MiNNi,  niin'ny. 
MiNNiTH,  min'nilh. 
Miriam,  mir'e-am. 
MisnAULj  misU'a.el, 


Misrephoth-Maim,  rnis'- 

re-fowth-niay  'yiin. 
MiTYLENE,  mit'il-ee'ne. 
MizAR,  my'zar. 
MizpAH,  niiz'pah. 
MizPEH,  niiz^peh. 
MizRAiM,  miz-ray'yim. 
Mnason,  nay'son. 
MoAB,  nio'ab. 
M OA ij I TE s,  m o 'ab-i tes . 
MoLADAH,  mo-lad'ah. 
MoLECii,  moMek. 
Moloch,  nioMok. 
MoRDECAi,  morMe-kay. 
Mori  AH,  mor-i'ah. 
MosEROTH,  mo'se-rotli. 
Moses,  mo'zez. 
MiJSHi,  moo'sliy. 
Myra,  my'rah. 
Mysia,  mish'yah. 

N. 

Naamah,  nay'a-mah. 
Naaman,  iiay'a-man. 
Naamathite,  nay-am'a- 
thite. 

Naashon,  na-ash'on. 
Naasson,  na-as'son. 
Nabal,  nay'bal. 
Naboth,  nay 'both. 
Nadab,  nayMab. 
Nagge,  nag'gee. 
Nahamani,  na'ham-ay'- 
ni. 

Nahum,  nay'hum. 
Nain,  nay'in. 
Naioth,  nay'oth. 
Naomi,  nay-o'my. 
Naphish,  nay^fish. 
Naphtali,  naf'ta-ly. 
Narcissus,  nar-sis'us. 
Nathan,  nay'than. 
Nathanael,  na-than'ay- 
el. 

Nathan-Melech,  nay'- 

than-me'lek. 
Naum,  nay'oom. 
Nazarene,  naz-a-reen'. 
Nazareth,  naz'a-rcth. 
Nazarites,  naz'ar-ites. 
Neapolis,  ne-ap'po-lis. 
Nebaiotii,  ne-bay'otii. 
Nj^bat,  nee 'bat. 


Nebo,  nee'bo. 
Nebuchadnezzar,  neb- 

ew-kad-nez'zar. 
Nebuzar-Adan,  neb'u- 

zar'a-dan. 
Necho,  nee'ko. 
Nehelamite,  ne-hel'am- 

ite. 

Nehemiah,  ne-hem-i'ah. 
Nehushta,  ne-hoosh'tah, 
Nehushtan,  ne-hoosh'- 
tan. 

Nemuel,  nem'oo-el. 
Nepheg,  nee'feg. 
Nephishesim,  ne-fish<es- 

im. 
Ner,  nerr. 
Nereus,  ne'roos. 
Neri,  nee'ry. 
Neriah,  ner-i'ah. 
Nethaneel,  neth-an'e-el. 
Nethaniah,  neth-an-i'ah. 
Nethinims,  neth'in-ims. 
NiBHAZ,  nib'haz. 
Nicanor,  ny-kay'nor. 
Nicodemus,  nik-o-dee'- 

mus. 

Nicolaitans,  nik'o-lay'- 

it-anz. 
Nicolas,  nik'o-las. 
NicopoLis,  nik-o'po-lis. 
Niger,  ny'jer. 
Nimrim,  nim'rim. 
NiMROD,  nim'rod. 
NiMSiii,  nim'shy. 
Nineveh,  nin'ev-ay. 
NiNEViTES,  nin'ev-ites. 
NiSAN,  ny'san. 
NiSROCH,  nis'rok. 
NoADiAH,  no-ad-i'ah. 
Noah,  no 'ah. 
Nob,  nobe. 
NoBAH,  no'bah. 
Nod,  node. 
NoPH,  nofe'. 
Nun,  noon. 
Nymphas,  nim'fas. 

O. 

Obadiah,  ob-ad-i'ah. 
Obal,  o'bal. 
Obed,  o'bed. 


OBE 


405 


REC 


Obed-Edom,  o'bed-ee'- 

dom. 
Obil,  o'bil. 
OcRAN,  ok'ran. 
Oded,  o'ded. 
Og,  ogg. 
Ohel,  o'hel. 
Olympas,  o-limp'as. 
Omar,  o'mar. 
Omega,  o-meg'ah. 
Omri,  om'ri. 
Onan,  o^nan. 
Onesimus,  o-nee'sim-us. 
Onesiphorus,  o-nes-if- 

o-rus. 
Ophel,  o'fel. 
Ophir,  o'feer. 
Ophrah,  off 'rah. 
Oreb,  o'reb. 
Orion,  o-ry'on. 
Ornan,  or'nan. 
Orpah,  or'pah. 
Othni,  oth'ny. 
Othniel,  oth'ne-el. 
Ozem,  o'zem. 
OziAS,  o-zy'as. 

P. 

Paarai,  pay'ar-ay'i. 
Padan-Aram,  payMan- 

ay'ram. 
Pag  IE  L,  pay  'ge-el. 
Palestina,  pal'es-ty-na. 
Palti,  pal'ty. 
Pamphylia,  pam-firyah. 
Paphos,  pay'fos. 
Paran,  pay'ran. 
Pa  REAR,  par'bar. 
Parmenas,  par'men-as. 
Parosh,  pay'rosh. 
Parshandatha,  par'- 

shan-day-tha. 
Parthians,  par'the-ans. 
Paruah,  par-oo'ah. 
Pashur,  pash'oor. 
Patara,  pat'ar-ah. 
Pathros,  path'ros. 
Patmos,  pat'mos. 
Patrobas,  pat'ro-bas. 
Pau,  pay'oo. 
Paul,  pawl. 
Paulus,  paw'lus. 
Pii^DAHzuR,  pe-dah'zoor. 


Pedaiah,  pe-dah-i'ah. 
Pekah,  pee'kah. 
Pekahiaii,  pe-kah-i'ah. 
Pel  ATI  AH,  x)e-lat-i'ah. 
Peleg,  pee'leg. 
Pelethites,  pel'eth- 
ites. 

Peniel,  pe-ny'el. 
Peninnah,  pe-nin'nah. 
Penuel,  pe-new'el. 
Peor,  pee'or. 
Perga,  per'gali. 
Pergamos,  pcr'ga-inos. 
Perizzites,  per'iz-zites. 
Persia,  per'shah. 
Pkrsis,  per'sis. 
Peter,  pee'ter. 
Petiiuel,  pe-thu'el. 
PiiALEC,  fay'lek. 
Phallu,  faPoo. 
Phalti,  faPty. 
Phanuel,  fan-oo'el 
Pharaoh,  fay'ro. 
Pharez,  fay'rc'Z. 
Pharpar,  fnr'par. 
Phaseah,  fay-sfe'ah. 
Phebe,  fee'be. 
Phenice,  fe-ny'se. 
Phicol,  fy'kol. 

PlULADELPHIA,  fil-a- 

del'fe-a. 
Philemon,  fil-ee'mon. 
PiiiLETUs,  fil-ee'tus. 
Philip,  fil'ip. 
Philippi,  fil-lip'pi. 
PiiiLiSTiA,  fil-ist'yali. 
Philistines,  fil-ist'iiis. 
Philologus,  fil-o'lo-gus. 
Philosophers,  fil-os'o- 

fers. 

Phinehas,  fin'e-as. 
Phlegon,  fleg'on. 
PiiRYGiA,  frij'e-a. 
Phurah,  foor'ah. 
Phygellus,  fi-gePlus. 
Pi-Hahiroth,  pi'lia-hi'- 

roth. 
Pilate,  pi'lat. 
PiNON,  pi'non. 
Pirathon,  pi'ratli-on. 
Pisgah,  pis'gah. 
PisiDiA,  py-sid'yah. 
PisoN,  py'son. 
Pjthom,  py'thom. 


Pithon,  py'tlion. 
Pontius,  pon'ghus. 
Pontub,  pon'tus. 
Poratiia,  po'rat'h-ah. 
PoRcius,  por'shuj. 
Potiphar,  pot'e-far. 
PoTi-PiiERAii,  pot'e-feK 
ah. 

Prisca,  pris'kah. 
Priscilla,  pris-iPah, 
Prochokus,  prok'or-U8. 
PuBLius,  pub'le-us. 
PuDENS,  pow'dens. 
PuL,  pool. 
PuNON,  poon'on. 
Pur,  poor 

PuTEOLi,  poo-tee'o-li. 
PuTiEL,  poot'e-el. 

Q. 

Quartus,  quart'us.  ' 
R. 

Raamak,  ray'am-ah. 
Rabbah,  rab'bah. 
Rabbi,  rab'bi. 
Hab-mag,  rab'mag. 
Rab-Saris,  rab'sar-is. 
Hab-Shakeh,  rab'sha- 
kay. 

Rachal,  ray'kal. 
1\achel,  ray'chel. 
Pagau,  ray'gaw. 
R  aguel,  ray 'goo-el. 
Rahab,  ray'hab. 
Rakkath,  rak'kath. 
Rakkon,  rak'kon. 
Ram,  ram. 
Ramah,  ray'mah. 
Ramath,  ray'math. 
Ramath-Lehi,  ray'math' 

lee'hi. 
Ramathaim-Zophim, 

ray'ma-tliay'im-zo'fim. 
Rameses,  ray'me-seez. 
R  amotii,  ray 'moth. 
Rapha,  ray 'f ah. 
Raphu,  ray 'f 00. 
Reba,  ree'bah. 
Rebekah,  re-bek'kah. 
Rechab,  ree'kab. 
Rechabitks  ree'kr.b= 

ite§. 


REG 


406 


SHI 


Regem,  ree'gem. 
Regem-Melech,  re'gem- 

mee'lek. 
Rehabiah,  re-hab-i'ah. 
Rehob,  re'hob. 
Rehoboam,  re-ho-bo'am. 
Rehoboth,  re-hob'oth. 
Rehum,  ree'hoom. 
Re  I,  ree'i. 

Remaliaii,  rem-al-i'ah. 
Remmon,  rem'nion. 
Remphan,  re  in 'fan. 
Rephael,  re'fa-el. 
Rephaim,  re-fay 'im. 
Rephaims,  re-fay'ims. 
Re  PHI  DIM,  ref'id-im. 
Resen,  ree'sen. 
Reu,  roo. 
Reuben,  roo'ben. 
Reubenites,  roo'ben- 

ites. 
Reuel,  roo'el. 
Reumah,  room'ah. 
Rezin,  ree'zin. 
Rezon,  ree'zon. 
Rhegium,  ree'je-um. 
Rhesa,  ree'sah. 
Rhoda,  ro'dah. 
Rhodes,  roads. 
Riblah,  rib'lah. 
RiMMON,  rim'rnon. 
Riphath,  ry'fath. 
RissAH,  ris'sah. 
Rizpah,  riz'pah. 
RoMAMTi-EzER,  ro-mam' 

ti-ee'zer. 
Roman,  ro'man. 
Rome,  roam. 
Rosh,  rowsh. 
RuFus,  roo'fus. 
Ruhamah,  roo-ham'ah. 
Rumah,  roo'mah. 
Ruth,  rooth. 

S. 

Sabeans,  sab-ee'ans. 
Sabta,  sab'tah. 
Sabtecha,  sab'te-kah. 
Sadoc,  say'dok. 
Salah,  say'lah. 
Salamis,  sal'am-is. 
Salathiel,  sal-ay'tlie-el. 
Salem,  say  k'ln. 


Salim,  say'lim. 
Salmon,  sal'mon. 
Salmon E,  sal-mo'ne. 
Salome,  sa-Io'me. 
Samaria,  sa-may're-a. 
Samaritans,  sa-mar're- 

tans. 
Samlaii,  sam'lah. 
Samos,  say  'mos. 
Samotiiracia,  sam-o- 

thray'shah. 
Samson,  sarn'son. 
Samuel,  sam'u-el. 
Sanballat,  san-bal'lat. 
Sapii,  saf. 
Saphir,  saf'ir. 
Sapphika,  saf -fy 'rah. 
Sarah,  say'rah. 
Sarai,  say'ra-i. 
Sardis,  sar'dis. 
Sarepta,  sa-rep'tah. 
Sabgon,  sar'gon. 
Saron,  say'ron. 
Sarsechim,  sar'se-kim. 
Saruch,  say'rook. 
Satan,  say'tan. 
Saul,  sawl. 
ScEVA,  see'vah. 
Scythian,  sith'e-an. 
Seba,  see'bah. 
Sebat,  see'bat. 
Segub,  see'goob. 
Seir,  see'ir. 
Seleucia,  se-loo'shah. 
Semei,  sem'e-i. 
Seneh,  see'nay. 
Sennacherib,  sen-ak'er- 

ib. 

Sepharvaim,  se'far-vay'- 
im. 

Serah,  see'rah. 
Seraiah,  se -ray 'yah. 
Sergius-Paulus,  ser'je' 

us  pawl'us. 
Serug,  see'roog. 
Seth,  seth. 

Shaalbim,  shay-alb'im. 
Shaaraim,  shay-ar-ay'- 
im. 

SiiAASHGAz,  shay-ash'- 
gaz. 

Shadrach,  shad'rak. 
Shaltm,  shay'lim. 
Shalisha,  shal'le-sha. 


Shallum,  shal'lum. 
Shalman,  shal'man. 
Shalmanezer,  shal-man. 

ee'zer. 
Shamgar,  sham 'gar. 
Shamhuth,  sham'hooth. 
Shamir,  shay'mir. 
Shammah,  sliam'mah. 
Shammuah,  sham'oo-ah. 
Shaphan,  shay'fan. 
Shaphat,  shay'fat. 
Sharai  shar'a-i. 
Sharezer,  shar-ee'zer. 
Sharon,  sliay'ron. 
Shashak,  shay'sliak. 
Shaveh,  shay'veh. 
Shealtiel,  she-al'te-el. 
Shear-Jashub,  she'ar- 

jay'shoob. 
Sheariah,  she-ar-i'ah. 
Sheba,  shee'bah. 
Shebaniah,  shee-ban-i'- 

ah. 

Shebna,  sheb'nah. 
Shechem,  shee'kem. 
Shedeur,  she'de-oor. 
Shelah,  shee'Iah. 
Shelemiah,  she-lem-i'- 
ah. 

Sheleph,  sheeMef. 
Shelomith,  she-Io'mith. 
Shelumiel,  she-loom'e- 
el. 

Shem,  shem. 
Shemaiah,  she-may'ah. 
Shemeber,  shem'ee-ber. 
Shemer,  shee'mer. 
Shemida,  shem-e'dah. 
Sheminith,  she-my'nith. 
Shemiramoth,  shem-i'- 

ra-moth. 
Shen,  shenn. 
Shenir,  shee'nir. 
Shephatiah,  she-fat-i'- 

ah. 

Sheshach,  shee'shak. 
Sheshbazzar,  shesh- 

baz'zar. 
Shether-Boznai,  6hee'« 

thar-boz'na-i. 
Sheva,  shee'vah. 
Shibboleth,  shib'bo- 

leth. 

J  Shicron,  shik'ron. 


SHI 


407 


TOP 


Shiggaion,  shig-gay'- 
yon. 

Shigionoth,  shig'i-o'- 

noth. 
SniLOAH,  shy-lo'ah. 
Shiloh,  shy'loh. 
Shiloxite,  shy'lo-nite. 
Shimeah,  shim'me-ah. 
Shimei,  shim'e-i. 
Shimshai,  shim'shay-i. 
Shinar,  sby'nar. 
Shiphrah,  shif'rah. 
Shishak,  sliy'shak. 
Shittim,  shit'tim. 
Shobab,  sho'bab. 
Shobach,  sho'bak, 
SiiuAH,  shoo'ah. 
Shual,  shoo'al. 
Shuhite,  slioo'hite. 
Shulamite,  shoo'lam- 

ite. 

Shunem,  shoo'nem. 
Shuppim,  sboop'pim. 
Shur,  shoor. 
Shushan,  shoo'sban. 
Shuthelah,  shoo-tbee^- 
lah. 

SiBMAH,  sib'mab. 
SiDON,  sy'don. 
SiHON,  si'bon. 
SiHOR,  si'bor. 
Silas,  si'las. 
SiLOAM,  si-lo'am. 
SiLOE,  si-lo-e,  or  siVo-e. 
SiLVANUs,  sil-vay'nus. 
Simeon,  sim'e-on. 
Simon,  sy'mon. 
Sin,  sinn. 

Sinai,  si'na-i,  or  si'nay. 
SiON,  sy'on. 
SiRiON,  syr'e-on. 
Sisera,  si'ser-ah,  or  sis'- 

er-ab. 
SiVAN,  si'van. 
Smyrna,  srair'nah. 
So,  so. 

SocoH,  so'ko. 
SoDi,  so'di. 
Sodom,  sod'om. 
Sodomites,  sod'om-ites. 
Solomon,  sol'om-on. 
SopATER,  so'pa-ter. 
Sorek,  so'rek. 
Sosi PATER,  so-sip'pa-ter. 


SosTHENES,  sos'tben-eez. 
Spain,  spane. 
Stachys,  stay'kis. 
Stephanas,  stef'an-as. 
Stephen,  stee'ven. 
Succoth,  sook'kotli. 
Succoth-Benoth,  sook'- 

kotb-be'notb. 
SuR,  soor. 

Susanna,  su-san'nab. 
Susi,  soo'si. 
Sychar,  sy'kar. 
Syene,  sy-e'ne. 
Syntyche,  sin'te-ke. 
Syracuse,  syr^a-kuse. 
Syria,  syr^e-a. 
Syriac,  syr'e-ak. 
Syrian,  syr'e-an. 
Syrians,  syr'e-ans. 
Syrophenician,  sy'ro- 
fe-nisb'yan. 

T. 

Taanach,  tay'an-ak. 
Taanath-Shiloh,  tay^a- 

natb-sbi'lob. 
Tabbath,  tab'batli. 
Tabeal,  tab'e-al. 
Tabeel,  tab'e-el. 
Taberah,  tab'er-ab. 
Tabitha,  tab'itb-ali. 
Tabor,  tay'bor. 
Tabrimon,  tab^rim-on. 
Tadmor,  tad'mor. 
Tahapanes,  ta-bap'pa- 

neez. 

Tahpenes,  tab'pen-eez. 
Talitha-Cumi,  tal'itb- 

a-koom'i. 
Talmai,  tal-may'i,  or 

tal'may. 
Tamar,  tay'mar. 
Tammuz,  tam'mooz. 
Tanhumeth,  tan-boom 

etb. 

Taphath,  tay'fatb. 
Tarpelites,  tar'pel-ites. 
Tarshish,  tar'sbisb. 
Tarsus,  tar'sus. 
Tartak,  tar'tak. 
Tartan,  tar'tan. 
Tatnai,  tat'nay-i. 
Tebah,  tee  bab. 


Tebeth,  tee'beth. 
Tekel,  tee'kel. 
Tekoa,  te-ko'a. 
Tekoaii,  te-ko'ab. 
Tel-IIarsa,  tel-bar'sah. 
Tel-Melah,  tel-mee'lah. 
Tema,  tee'mab. 
Teman,  tee'iiian. 
Temanite,  tee'man-ite. 
Terah,  tee'rab. 
Teraphim,  ter'ra-fim. 
Tertius,  ter'sbus. 
Tertullus.  ter-tul'lus. 
Tetrarch,  tet'rark. 
Thaddaeus,  tliad-dee'us 
Thahash,  tbayOiasb. 
Thamah,  tbay'mab. 
Thebez,  tbee'bez. 
Thelasar,  tbel'as-ar. 
Theophilus,  tbe-of'fe- 
lus. 

Thessalonians,  tbes-sa- 

lo'ne-ans. 
Thessalonica,  tbes'sa- 

lon-i'kab. 
Theudas,  tboo'das. 
Thomas,  tom'mas. 
Thyatira,  tby-a-ty'rah. 
Tiberias,  ti-be're-as. 
Tiberius,  ti-be're-us. 
Tibni,  tib'ny. 
Tidal,  tlMal. 
Tiglath-Pileser,  tig'- 

latb-pil-e'zer. 
TiMAEUS,  ti-mee'us. 
Timnath,  tim'nath. 
TiMON,  ti'nion. 
Timotheus,  ti-mo'tlie-U£ 
Tiphsah,  tif'sab. 
TiRHAKAH,  tir'ba-kab. 
Tirshatha,  tir-sbay'tba 
TiRZAH,  tir'zali. 
TisiiBiTE.  tisb  bite. 
Titus,  ti'tus. 
ToB,  tobe. 

Tob-Adonijah,  tobe  ad- 

o-ni'jab. 
Tobiah.  to-bi'ali. 
Tog  ARM  AH,  to-gar^iiah. 
Tohu,  to'boo. 
Toi,  to'i. 
Tola,  to'bib. 
ToPHEL,  to'fel. 
Tophet,  to'fet. 


TRO 


408 


zuz 


Troas,  tro'as. 
Trogyllium,  tro-jil'- 
yum. 

Trophimus,  trof'im-us. 
Tryphena,  tri-fee'nah. 
Tryphosa,  tri-fo'sah. 
Tubal,  too^bal. 
Tubal-Cain,  too'bal- 

kane'. 
Tyciiicus,  tik'ik-iis. 
Tyrannus,  ti-ran'nus. 
Tyre,  tire. 
Tyrus,  ti'rus. 

U. 

UcAL,  oo'kal. 
IT  LAI,  oo4ay-i. 
Ulam,  oo'lam. 
Ulla,  oo'la. 
Unni,  oon'ny. 
Upiiaz,  oo'faz. 
Ur,  oor. 
Uri,  oo'ry. 
Uriah,  oo-ri'ah. 
Uriel,  oo'ri-el. 
Urijah,  oo-ri'jah. 
Urim  and  Thummim, 

oo'rim  and  thoom'im. 
Uz,  uzz. 

UzzAH,  ooz'zali. 
Uzzen-Sherah,  ooz'en- 

she'rah. 
Uzzi,  ooz^zy. 
UzziAH,  ooz-zi'ah. 
UzziEL,  ooz'ze-el. 
Uzzielites,  ooz^ze-el- 

ites. 

V. 

Vashni,  vash'ny. 
Yashti,  vash'ty. 
VopHSi,  vof'sy. 


Z. 

Zabbai,  zab'bay-i. 
Zabdi,  zabMy. 
Zacciieuh,  zak-kee'us. 
Zaciiariaii,  zak-ar-i'ah. 
Zadok,  zay'dok. 
Zauam,  zay'ham. 
Zair,  zay'ir. 
Zalmon,  zal'nion. 
Z  A  \M  ONN  A ,  zal  -  in  o  'n  ah . 
Zalmunna,  zal-nioon'- 
nali. 

Zamzummims,  zam- 

zoom'inis. 
Zanoaii,  zan-no'ah. 
Z  A  P 1 1 N  A ' n  I  - 1^\  A  N  e  A II , 

zaf'iiatli-])ay-an-e'ah. 
Zaraii,  zay'rah. 
Zauepiiatii,  zar'rc-fath. 
Zebadiah,  zeb-ad-i'ah. 
Zebah,  zce'bali. 
Zebedee,  zeb'ed-ee. 
Zeboim,  ze-bo'im. 
Zebul,  zee'bool. 
Zebulun,  zee'bool-oon, 

or  zeb'u-lun. 
Zeciiariah,  zek-ar-i'ah. 
Zedekiah,  zed'ek-i'ah. 
Zeeb,  zee'eb. 
Zelek,  zee'lek. 
Zelopiiehad,  ze-lo^fe- 

had. 

Zelotes,  ze-lo'teez. 
Zelzah,  zel'zah. 
Zenas,  zee'nas. 
Zephaniah,  zef-an-i'ah. 
Zephath,  zee'fath. 
Zepho,  zee'fo. 
Zerah,  zee'rah. 
Zeredah,  zer'e-dah. 
Zeresh,  zee'resh. 
Zeeior,  zee'ror. 


Zeruah,  zee'roo-ah. 

Zerubbabel,  ze-roob'ba 
bel.  ] 

Zeruiah,  zer-oo-i'ah.  ' 

Zetiiar,  zee'thar. 

ZiBA,  zi'bah. 

ZiBEON,  zib'e-on. 

ZiBiAii,  zib'e-ah. 

ZiciiRi,  zik'ry. 

ZiDON,  zi'don. 

ZiDONiANS,  zy-do'ne- 
ans. 

Zip,  ziff. 

ZiKLAG,  zik'lag. 

Zillaii,  zil'lah. 

ZiLPAii,  zil'pah. 

ZiMRAN,  zim'ran. 

ZiMRi,  zim'ry. 

ZiN,  zinn. 
i  ZiON,  zi'on. 

ZiOR,  zi'or. 

Zipii,  ziff. 

ZippoR,  zip'por. 

ZippoRAH,  zip-po'rah. 

ZiTiiRi,  zith'ry. 

Ziz,  zizz. 
'  ZoAN,  zo'an. 

ZoAR,  zo'ar. 

ZoBAii,  zo'bah. 

ZoBEBAH,  zo-be'bah. 

ZoLiAR,  zo'har. 

ZoHELETH,  zo-he'leth 

ZoPHAR,  zo'far. 

ZoRAH,  zo'rah. 

ZOROBABEL,  ZO-Iob'a 

bel. 
ZuAR,  zoo^ar. 
ZUPH,  zoof. 
ZuR,  zoor. 

ZURISHADDAI,  ZOO'ric 

shad^day-i. 
ZuziMS,  zoo'zimso 


AN  INDEX, 


FOR  THE  TEXTS  OF  SCRIPTURE  TREATED  OF. 


Chapter,  Verse. 

PcKfe. 

GENESIS. 

iii. 

15 

116 

EXODUS. 

xix. 

6 

166 

xxiii. 

25 

34 

NUMBERS. 

xxi. 

8 

198 

DEUTERONOMY. 

iv. 

7 

224 

vii. 

9 

210 

vii. 

13 

56 

viii. 

6 

134 

X. 

18 

58 

X. 

18 

62 

xiv. 

29 

258 

1  SAMUEL. 

ii. 

6 

76 

2  CHRONICLES. 

xiv. 

-11 
±1. 

7rt 
i  \J 

XV. 

7 

XX, 

on 

ZoyJ 

XXX. 

JOB. 

iii. 

17 

180 

V. 

18 

136 

V. 

20 

66 

V. 

26 

20 

xvii. 

9 

280 

xix. 

26 

174 

xxii. 

26 

184 

PSALMS. 

i. 

1 

240 

i. 

3 

32 

ix. 

18 

60 

X. 

17 

162 

xii. 

5 

74 

xvi. 

11 

188 

xviii. 

30 

306 

xxiii. 

1 

12 

xxiii. 

2 

126 

xxiv. 

3,4 

264 

xxxi. 

20 

72 

xxxi. 

24 

118 

xxxii. 

5 

204 

xxxii. 

8 

106 

xxxiv. 

7 

164 

xxxiv. 

18 

274 

XXX  vi. 

9 

194 

xxxvii 

3 

16 

xli. 

1 

256 

xli. 

3 

52 

xlvi. 

1 

42 

xlviii. 

14 

30 

xlix. 

15 

182 

1. 

15 

46 

Iv. 

22 

44 

Ix. 

12 

68 

Chapter. 

Verse. 

Page. 

Ixxxiv. 

11 

100 

Ixxxvii. 

3 

28(3 

xci. 

3 

50 

xci. 

14 

132 

xcii. 

12 

130 

xciv. 

18 

132 

ciii. 

3 

82 

cxii. 

1 

236 

cxix. 

105 

234 

cxix. 

165 

26 

cxxi. 

5 

22 

cxxxiii. 

1 

252 

cxxxviii. 

6 

272 

cxl. 

13 

186 

cxlv. 

18 

98 

PROVERBS. 

8,  9 

242 

23 

160 

12 

114 

viii. 

17 

212 

x. 

24 

14 

x. 

28 

278 

X. 

31 

124 

xi. 

17 

260 

xii. 

7 

38 

xii. 

20 

254 

xii. 

21 

40 

xiv. 

23 

266 

xiv. 

26 

36 

xiv. 

32 

176 

XV. 

8 

208 

xvii. 

2 

244 

XX. 

22 

262 

xxi. 

23 

238 

xxii. 

4 

28 

xxiii.  17 

,18 

268 

xxviii. 

13 

200 

xxviii. 

14 

222 

xxviii. 

26 

218 

ECCLESIASTES. 

ii. 

26 

120 

vii. 

18 

112 

viii. 

12 

220 

ISAIAH. 

18 

84 

19 

9 

ii. 

4 

292 

xi. 

10 

282 

xii. 

3 

108 

xxvi. 

4 

214 

xxvi. 

19 

138 

xxvii. 

3 

294 

xxviii. 

16 

196 

xxix. 

19 

270 

xxix. 

24 

288 

xxxii. 

17 

168 

xl. 

8 

308 

xli. 

1.*! 

146 

Chapter.    Verse.  Page. 


XIll. 

o 
o 

xlv. 

OO 

xiv. 

OA 

1  KA. 

xlv. 

oU 

xlvi. 

A 

4: 

Crt 

xlix. 

6 

284 

xlix. 

9 

156 

xlix. 

13 

170 

xlix. 

15 

48 

liii. 

5 

90 

liii. 

11 

78 

Iv. 

1 

230 

Iviii. 

11 

122 

Ixiii. 

16 

94 

Ixvi. 

5 

276 

JEREMIAH. 

i. 

7,  8 

246 

XV. 

11 

64 

XV. 

19 

248 

xxiii. 

6 

296 

xxxi. 

9 

96 

LAMENTATIONS.  • 

iii. 

26 

216 

iii. 

31 

150 

EZEKIEL. 

XX. 

43 

xxxiv.  23 

302 

XXX  vi.  26 

102 

DANIEL. 

vii. 

14 

300 

vii. 

18 

192 

vii. 

27 

298 

xii. 

3 

190 

HOSEA. 

xiii. 

14 

178 

xiv. 

4 

88 

xiv. 

5 

128 

xiv. 

8 

110 

JOEL. 

ii. 

27 

140 

iii. 

16 

172 

AMOS. 

V. 

4 

228 

OBADIAH. 

i. 

17 

304 

MICAH. 

vii. 

18 

144 

ZEPHANIAH. 

iii. 

17 

142 

ZECHARIAH. 

ii. 

5 

24 

ii. 

8 

148 

iii. 

4 

18 

xiii. 

1 

92 

xiii. 

9 

2-0 

410 


INDEX  FOIl  THE  TEXTS. 


Chapter.    Verse.  Page. 


MALACHI. 

iii. 

3 

2^)0 

iv. 

2 

152 

MATTHEW. 

iv. 

67 

V. 

3 

275 

V. 

4 

87 

V. 

5 

35 

V. 

6 

231 

V. 

7 

261 

V. 

8 

265 

V. 

9 

255 

vi. 

14 

263 

vi. 

26 

17 

vi. 

30 

19 

vi. 

33 

32 

vii. 

21 

207 

viii. 

11 

283 

ix. 

13 

105 

X. 

22 

219 

X. 

29 

21 

X. 

32 

201 

X. 

41 

251 

xi. 

28 

85 

xii. 

31 

89 

xvi. 

18 

295 

xviii. 

20 

109 

xxiv. 

35 

307 

XXV. 

21 

189 

XXV. 

Zo 

267 

34 

193 

xxviii 

* 

20 

55 

MARK. 

ix. 

23 

197 

xvi. 

15,  16 

127 

LUKE. 

yi. 

22 

277 

vii. 

60 

169 

XV. 

21,  22 

205 

xviii. 

14 

273 

XX. 

36 

185 

xxi. 

15 

65 

xxiii. 

43 

181 

JOHN. 

1. 

16 

155 

iii. 

16 

153 

vi. 

45 

289 

vii. 

17 

107 

xii. 

26 

29 

xii. 

32 

285 

xii. 

46 

199 

xiii. 

35 

253 

xiv. 

2 

187 

xiv. 

18 

151 

xiv. 

21 

213 

xiv. 

23 

141 

XV. 

5 

129 

XV. 

7 

225 

xvi. 

13 

123 

xvi. 

22 

175 

Chapter.    Verse,  Page, 


xvi. 

33 

27 

xvii. 

3 

233 

xvii. 

15 

41 

xvii. 

21 

293 

ACTS. 

ii. 

39 

37 

iii. 

19 

203 

iv. 

12 

91 

X. 

^35 

221 

X. 

38 

75 

xiii 

39 

79 

xviii 

10 

71 

ROMANS. 

V. 

1 

81 

V. 

3,  4 

135 

viii. 

15 

163 

viii. 

24 

217 

viii. 

31 

147 

viii. 

32 

13 

viii. 

37 

49 

ix. 

15 

145 

X. 

17 

235 

xi. 

2 

303 

xiv. 

22 

209 

xvi. 

20 

297 

1 

CORINTHIANS. 

i. 

30 

121 

ii. 

12 

161 

vi. 

11 

101 

viii. 

3 

211 

x. 

13 

45 

xii. 

8 

125 

XV. 

55 

179 

2 

CORINTHIANS. 

i. 

4 

171 

i. 

10 

215 

iii. 

16 

305 

iv. 

17 

137 

V. 

8 

183 

vi. 

17,  18 

241 

X. 

4 

69 

xii. 

9 

43 

GALATIANS. 

i. 

4 

115 

iii. 

13 

157 

iii. 

26 

97 

V. 

16 

111 

vi. 

6 

259 

vi. 

9 

281 

EPHESIANS. 

ii. 

7 

93 

ii. 

18 

99 

V. 

25 

159 

vi. 

2,  3 

243 

PHILIPPIANS. 

i. 

6 

133 

V. 

19 

59 

COLOSSIANS. 

iii. 

v.n 

Chapter.    Verse.  Page. 


iii. 

22 

245 

1  THESSALONIANS. 

iv. 

17 

195 

2  THESSALONIANS. 

lii. 

3 

39 

1  TIMOTHY. 

ii. 

15 

57 

iv. 

8 

15 

iv. 

16 

247 

vi. 

6 

269 

2  TIMOTHY. 

i. 

7 

119 

i. 

12 

177 

TITUS. 

111. 

K 
O 

IXJo 

TT  Ti' t>  "D  T7<  "I  Tl  f  C! 

rlLDKL  Wo. 

]: 

14 

165 

11. 

15 

77 

vi. 

19 

173 

viii. 

12 

83 

X. 

23 

309 

xi 

6 

229 

xi. 

16 

139 

Xlll. 

K 
O 

OK 

xiii. 

16 

257 

J  AMLb. 

5 

31 

9 

61 

12 

113 

27 

63 

iv. 

6 

131 

iv. 

7 

117 

IV. 

Q 
O 

907 

y. 

15 

51 

1   X  ill  i  MiIX. 

. 

}: 

7 

uo 

2 

237 

ii* 

20 

97Q 

iii. 

4 

271 

iii. 

10 

239 

iv. 

14 

73 

V. 

4 

249 

V. 

7 

149 

ii. 

Q 

if 

d.1 

1  eiUxlJN. 

ii. 

17 

11 

iii. 

1 

95 

iv. 

10 

143 

REVELATION. 

1. 

6 

167 

i. 

17,  18 

23 

xi. 

15 

301 

xvi. 

15 

223 

xix. 

8 

201 

xix. 

?0 

299 

Of  !«£ 

mnmu  Qf  mmi 


UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS-URBANA 

220.7 J13C  C001 

Christian's  legacy  :  with  an  appendix  c 


087614324 


